Anup Malani : Courses and Seminars
Advanced Law and Economics
LAWS 55401
This seminar examines theoretical and empirical work in the economic analysis of law. It will cover, among other things, optimal tort rules, models of contract liability and remedies, optimal criminal rules, settlement and plea bargaining, and models of judicial behavior.
Familiarity with calculus and either advanced undergraduate microeconomics or graduate microeconomics is expected.
Grades will be based on class participation and a major paper.
Spring 2012
Anup Malani
Economic Analysis of The Law
LAWS 73201
This course introduces the concepts of law and economics. Over the last forty years, economics has become an important tool for those who want to understand the effect legal rules have on the way people behave. This course also explores the extent to which the principles of economics can be used to explain the workings of the legal system itself. The topics covered in this course include the Coase theorem, the choice between property and liability rules, the allocative effects of alternative liability rules (e.g., strict liability versus negligence); the determination of damages for breach of contract; and the economics of legal procedure.
No prior acquaintance with economics or calculus is assumed; the relevant economic concepts are developed through an examination of particular legal applications.
The student's grade is based on a final examination.
Autumn 2011
Anup Malani
Health Law
LAWS 46201
This course surveys the law and policy applicable to health care financing and delivery in the United States. The course will split its time between reviewing the new health care bill and covering traditional topics such as informed consent, medical malpractice liability, drug regulation, ERISA preemption, Medicare, Medicaid, and the application of antitrust law to health care.
Autumn 2011
Anup Malani
The Federal Budget
LAWS 52801
The budget sets the size and scope of government. It affects everything the federal government does. The United States is currently facing a budgetary crisis that will involve hard choices about government spending and taxation. This seminar will examine the federal budget process. It will start by examining the basic facts about the U.S. fiscal situation and budget, how the budget is calculated, and the process by which it is set. The seminar will then turn to central topics within the budget, such as taxation, health care, social security, and discretionary spending. Finally, it will consider budget reform proposals. Students will be expected to write a paper on a topic related to the federal budget.
Spring 2012
Anup Malani, David A. Weisbach
