David A. Weisbach : Courses and Seminars
Global Inequality
LAWS 92403
Global income and wealth are highly concentrated. The richest 2% of the population own about half of the global assets. Per capita income in the United States is around $47,000 and in Europe it is around $30,500, while in India it is $3,400 and in Congo, it is $329. There are equally unsettling inequalities in longevity, health, and education.
In this class, we ask what duties nations and individuals have to address these inequalities and what are the best strategies for doing so. What role must each country play in helping itself? What is the role of international agreements and agencies, of NGOs, and of corporations in addressing global poverty? How do we weigh policies that emphasize growth against policies that emphasize within-country equality, health, or education?
In seeking answers to these questions, the class will combine readings on the law and economics of global development with readings on the philosophy of global justice. A particular focus will be on the role that legal institutions, both domestic and international, play in discharging these duties. For, example, we might focus on how a nation with natural resources can design legal institutions to ensure they are exploited for the benefit of the citizens of the country.
Students will be assessed via a substantial research paper and class participation.
Non-law students are welcome but need permission of the instructors, since space is limited.
Winter 2013
Martha Nussbaum, David A. Weisbach
Taxation of Corporations I
LAWS 75801
This course examines income tax aspects of the formations, distributions, and liquidations of corporations. The focus is on transactional and planning aspects of the corporate tax.
Introductory Income Tax is recommended.
The student's grade is based on class participation and a final examination.
Winter 2013
David A. Weisbach
Taxation of Corporations II
LAWS 75901
This course surveys the taxation of reorganizations and other adjustments involving continuing businesses: mergers, asset and stock acquisitions and other similar shifts of ownership and control; recapitalizations; and divisions. Points of focus are the recognition of gain and loss and the survival and allocation of tax attributes (basis, earnings, and loss carryovers) in these transactions.
Taxation of Corporations I is a prerequisite, and Introductory Income Taxation is recommended.
Students' grades based on a final proctored examination.
Spring 2013
David A. Weisbach
The Law and Policy of Climate Change
LAWS 46013
This course will examine legal and policy issues related to climate change. We will examine domestic responses to climate change, international treaties and European responses, issues related to the ethics of mitigation and adaptation, and the problem of deep uncertainty about the likely effects. Coverage will vary from examining the science and economics of climate change to large scale policy issues to legal issues related to existing environmental statutes and treaties.
Students will generally be required to take a 2 hour exam but students who wish to instead write a paper may do so with permission of the instructor for non-graduating students only.
Spring 2013
David A. Weisbach
