Law and Economics ─ Philosophical Issues and Fundamental Questions

The Law and Economics approach to law dominates the intellectual discussion of nearly every doctrinal area of law in the US and its influence is growing steadily outside America as well.

This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the publication of Richard Posner 's Economic Analysis of Law, the book that launched the Law and Economics movement. The sixth edition of the book was published earlier this year, this time competing against over twenty textbooks, collections and casebooks on law and economics.

Although there has been phenomenal growth in this area questions remain. Why has Law and Economics movement become so successful? What is the current status of the Chicago School? What are the alternative theories and how much influence do they exert? What can be considered mainstream today? What are the norms and values underlying this impressive body of research? These issues, amongst others, are thoroughly explored by the contributors, including Posner himself, Gerrit de Geest and Thomas Ulen in this important book.

Aristides N. Hatzis is an Associate Professor of Legal Theory at the University of Athens, Greece.

Nicholas Mercuro is Professor of Law in Residence ath the Michigan State University College of Law and Member of the faculty of James Madison College, Michigan State University, USA.