Legal Evolution

One of “Chicago’s best ideas” was Richard Posner’s theory (with some observations) that the Common Law evolves towards efficient results. But might this also be true for Civil Law and Legislation and Law more generally? How does legal evolution work or not work – and what does the empirical evidence show? If law evolves, it is probably a pretty optimistic view about legal change. In this CBI, Professor Levmore will introduce some ideas about legal evolution in contract law and tort law, and even such mundane things as the evolution of traffic lights. The evolution story tells us something about comparative law, law-and-economics and its critics, and about how law is taught (rather uniquely) at the University of Chicago.

Chicago’s Best Ideas, or CBIs, are a Law School tradition. A faculty member gives a short talk (there is time for questions) about an important idea developed at Chicago with an updated twist, often, but not always from the speaker’s own observations or scholarship. Everyone is invited, but the talk is always designed to be accessible by first year students. Needless to say, it comes with lunch – and the lunch boxes are usually something of an upgrade from the usual lunches associated with lunchtime programs. CBIs are popular, so you might want to get there early if you do not have a class just before the starting time of 12:15 p.m.

For special assistance or needs, please contact the Office of Events at lawevents@law.uchicago.edu.

This convening is open to all invitees regardless of vaccination status and, because of ongoing health risks to the unvaccinated, those who are unvaccinated are expected to adopt the risk mitigation measures advised by public health officials (masking and social distancing, etc.). Public convening may not be safe for all and carries a risk for contracting COVID-19, particularly for those unvaccinated. Participants will not know the vaccination status of others, including venue staff, and should follow appropriate risk mitigation measures.