Institute for Law and Economics

The Institute for Law & Economics was established in 2006 as one of the several centers that specialize in interdisciplinary methods at the University of Minnesota. The Law & Economics Institute contributes to this mission of the University by promoting interdisciplinary research at the interface of economics and the law. Economics provides a tool for studying how legal rules affect human behavior, offering a unique methodology to understand and address contemporary legal and social problems. The Institute seeks to promote interdisciplinary collaborations within the University, as well as with other centers and scholars, nationally and internationally. The Institute for Law & Economics will conduct seminars, organize conferences, sponsor activities in conjunction with other interdisciplinary centers, and host distinguished visitors. Through these efforts the Institute hopes to offer a privileged opportunity for students and faculty alike to add an important dimension to traditional legal education.

The Institute for Law and Economics is also affiliated with the Institute for Law and Rationality.

2008-09 Events

Weekly Seminar Series, Spring 2009

To be held on Mondays, 3:35 - 5:30. More information to come.

Distinguished Visitor(s) to the Institute:
The Institute hosts several Distinguished Visitors each year. Distinguished Visitors are scholars from other institutions whose work falls within the ambit of the Institute. Visitors are in residence at the Law School for a short period of time, typically several days.

Fall 2008 - Prof. Barbara Luppi, Assistant Professor in Political Economics at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Bologna and from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Prof. Luppi´s recent research has focused on two main topics: applications of behavioral economics and finance.

Fall 2008 - Prof. Thomas S. Ulen, Swanlund Chair & Chair & Director, Illinois Program in Law & Economics, University of Illinois College of Law. Prof. Ulen examines a variety of issues related to economics, legal scholarship, and legal education.

Fall 2008 - Prof. Emanuela Carbonara, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Economics, University of Bologna. Prof. Carbonara's main research interests are the law and economics of contracts and market regulation

Spring 2009 - Professor Giuseppe Dari-Mattiacci, Amsterdam Center for Law & Economics. Prof. Dari-Mattiacci specializes in the economic analysis of fundamental areas of the law, such as tort, contract, property and litigation. His research interests also cover welfare vs. fairness, public choice, evolution of law, ancient law, and slavery.

2007-08 Events

Distinguished Visitor to the Institute, April 29-30, 2008
Prof. Steven Davidoff, Wayne State University Law School. Professor Davidoff teaches a capital markets seminar, corporations, corporate finance, law & economics, mergers & acquisitions and securities regulation. His research focus is on corporate governance, regulation of hedge funds, mergers & acquisitions and securities regulation.

Distinguished Visitor to the Institute, Spring 2008
Professor Giuseppe Dari-Mattiacci, Amsterdam Center for Law & Economics. Prof. Dari-Mattiacci specializes in the economic analysis of fundamental areas of the law, such as tort, contract, property and litigation. His research interests also cover welfare vs. fairness, public choice, evolution of law, ancient law, and slavery.

Weekly Seminar Series, Spring 2008: Corporate Governance
This seminar focused on various issues related to Business Organizations and Corporate Governance. Guest speakers presented their expertise and current research findings and conclusions. [Guest Speakers and Schedule]

Midwestern Law & Economics Association 2007 Annual Meeting,
October 12-13, 2007
[Details] [Agenda]

Distinguished Visitor to the Institute, April 25-28, 2007
Vincy Fon, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, George Washington University

2007 Spring Workshops
Spring Semester Seminar: Behavioral Law and Economics
(Partnered with the Institute for Law & Rationality)

Lunch Presentation, January 30, 2007
"Corporate Political Contributions: Investment or Agency?"
Professor Felix Meschke, University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management
[Article]

Conference, October 27, 2006
"The Future of Tax Shelters"
University of Minnesota Law School
(co-sponsored with the Federalist Society for Law & Public Policy Studies and Deloitte & Touche USA LLP)