Empirical Study of the Civil Justice System / Daniel P. Kessler, Daniel L. Rubinfeld.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kessler, Daniel P.

Contributor:

National Bureau of Economic Research.

Rubinfeld, Daniel L.

Series:

Working Paper Series (National Bureau of Economic Research) no. w10825.

NBER working paper series no. w10825

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource: illustrations (black and white);

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. National Bureau of Economic Research 2004.

Summary:

In this essay, we discuss empirical research on the economic effects of the civil justice system. We discuss research on the effects of three substantive bodies of law- contracts, torts, and property- and research on the effects of the litigation process. We begin with a review of studies of aggregate empirical trends and the important issues involving contracts and torts, both positive and normative. We survey some of the more interesting empirical issues, and we conclude with some suggestions for future work. Because studies involving property law are so divergent, there is no simple description of aggregates that adequately characterizes the subject. In its place, we offer an overview of a number of the most important issues of interest. We describe (selectively) the current state of empirical knowledge, and offer some suggestions for future research. The section on legal process builds on the previous substantive sections. With respect each of the steps, from violation to trial to appeal, we review some of the more important empirical contributions.

Notes:

Print version record

October 2004.