Law and Economics – JURI 620

Course Description

Law and economics as a jurisprudential theory seeks to apply neoclassic economics concepts to law. Law and economics tends to be both positive (explaining rules in terms of economic concepts) and normative (arguing that legal rules should promote economic efficiency). This course considers a variety of subject areas in order to provide a critique of law and economics from the perspective of the distinct mission of Liberty University School of Law.

Rationale

Within the overarching mission of Liberty University School of Law, the purpose of Law and Economics is to provide the student with the opportunity to understand the economic analysis of legal issues and concepts and to critique the law and economics perspective. In addition, this course endeavors to challenge the student to consider the course topics from a distinctly Christian worldview.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to post his or her Essay as a thread for each Discussion. The student is then required to reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads and at least 1 classmate’s reply to his or her own thread for a total of at least 3 replies. Each reply must be substantive in nature, must be at least 250 words, and must incorporate at least 1 scholarly, legal source in current Bluebook format. The purpose of the Discussions is to facilitate discussion of the topics addressed in the Essays.

Essay Assignments (2)

For each Essay Assignment, the student will write a 1,500–2,000-word research-based paper in current Bluebook format that answers one of the provided questions. Answering the question will require the ability to accurately state the law and economics position and to critique that position from a distinctly evangelical Christian worldview. Each Essay must incorporate at least 3 scholarly, legal sources in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible.

Judicial Opinion Assignment

The student will write a 3,000–3,500-word judicial opinion in current Bluebook format that responds to a classic legal fact pattern. The response must reflect a distinctly evangelical Christian worldview and must critique an opinion written from a law and economics perspective by a leading law and economics scholar. The student must incorporate at least 3 scholarly, legal sources in addition to the other opinions referenced in the assignment, the course textbooks, and the Bible.

Note: LL.M. students must add an additional 2,500 words of writing in their final opinion. This is a Pass/Fail component of this assignment. This is not required of J.M. students.

Quizzes (3)

Each Quiz will cover the Learn material for the Module(s): Week(s) preceding the exam and the Module: Week in which the Quiz is assigned. Each Quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 10 essay questions, and have a 2-hour time limit.