Introductory description

The aim of the module is to provide students with an introduction to the theoretical ideas and applications of law and economics (supplemented by suitable applications of these ideas in a variety of legal contexts), and to ways in which economic reasoning has been applied to legal problems.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The topics that will be covered in this course are:

1. Foundations of economic theory and method

2. Property Law: An economic analysis

3. Contract Law: An economic analysis

4. Torts: An economic analysis

5. Criminal Law: Economic analysis

6. Economic analysis of civil procedure

7. Behavioural law and economics

8. Law and institutional economics

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Have a good knowledge and understanding of knowledge of the theoretical ideas and applications of law and economics
• Have a good knowledge and understanding of legal and economic constraints and considerations when applying legal measures
• Understand the relationship between economics and the law in devising policy responses
• Demonstrate transferable and interdisciplinary skills, including the ability to communicate with their peers to exchange ideas and information
• Work successfully in collaboration with others
• Use research tools and resources, including economic and legal resources, and reference material correctly
• Effectively articulate arguments orally and in writing
• Identify issues, formulate questions and engage in problem-solving
• Be able to apply these ideas and methods in a variety of different legal contexts
• Critically evaluate the use of economic evidence and advice in the adoption of policy
• Critically evaluate legally-binding measures

Indicative reading list

Generic Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module can be found on

Subject specific skills

SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

1. Have a good knowledge and understanding of: knowledge of the theoretical ideas and applications of law and economics
2. Have a good knowledge and understanding of legal and economic constraints and considerations when applying legal measures to economic problems.
3. Understand the relationship between economics and the law in devising policy responses to economic problems.
   COGNITIVE SKILLS
4. Identify issues, formulate questions and engage in problem-solving
5. be able to apply these ideas and methods in a variety of different legal contexts
   SUBJECT-SPECIFIC/PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
6. Critically evaluate the use of economic evidence and advice in the adoption of policy.
7. Critically evaluate legally-binding measures

Transferable skills

)KEY SKILLS

1. Demonstrate transferable and interdisciplinary skills, including the ability to communicate with their peers to exchange ideas and information.
2. Work successfully in collaboration with others from the same discipline.
3. Use research tools and resources, including economic and legal resources, and reference material correctly
4. Effectively articulate arguments orally and in writing