Ateneo - UPO

This course explores the Economic Analysis of Law, with a particular focus on contract law and property law. It begins with an introductory overview of the Economic Analysis of Law, highlighting its methodological approach and its contribution to policymaking aimed at improving the legal framework governing market operations (i). The course then examines the economic analysis of contract law, with a specific focus on corporate finance and access to external financial resources (ii). Finally, it addresses the economic analysis of property law, with particular attention to intellectual property rights and their role in the innovation process (iii). Topics are supported by case studies and practical applications, designed to guide students through the subject matter and enhance their active learning experience.

Cooter, R., Ulen, T., & Ulen, T. (2011). Law and economics. Pearson Series, 6th Edition. Plus several scientific article on the treated topics.

The course aims to: (i) Enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the Economic Analysis of Law (ii) Strengthen their ability to apply acquired knowledge to interpret market dynamics and identify potential business strategies (iii) Develop students’ critical judgment in selecting appropriate techniques and models for analyzing these topics, as well as interpreting the results obtained (iv) Improve communication skills, focusing on identifying practical implications and effectively conveying key messages to all relevant stakeholders (v) Foster learning abilities by engaging with relevant academic literature and case studies that reflect the current state of the Italian market and its legal framework

The course does not require any particular background or specific prior knowledge. However, basic understanding of Law, Economics, and Mathematics is recommended.

The course includes: (i) Lectures covering the core topics of the syllabus (ii) Seminar sessions where students actively contribute to the learning process by presenting articles and case studies on topics relevant to law and economics, and engaging in group discussions (iii) Guest lectures by international scholars, offering insights on subjects of particular relevance to the course

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa . Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Student evaluation is based on: (i) An oral presentation of an article or case study during the course. (ii) A final written exam at the end of the cours.

1. Introduction to Law and Economics (Foundations of Economic Analysis of Law and the interaction between legal systems and market functioning). 2. Economic Theory of Contract Law (Examination of contracts from an economic perspective, focusing on incentives, transaction costs, and efficiency). 3. Case Studies and Applications: Access to Financial Markets and Insolvency Procedures (Real-world examples illustrating the role of contract law in credit access and corporate crisis management). 4. Economic Theory of Property Law (Study of property rights as tools for efficient resource allocation and innovation promotion). 5. Case Studies and Applications: Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights (Analysis of practical cases showing the impact of intellectual property rights on innovation and business competitiveness).

By the end of the course, students will be able to: (i) Understand how microeconomic theory can be used to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of legal rules (ii) Apply economic concepts and models to the analysis of law, with a focus on contract and property domains (iii) Critically investigate the relationship between the judicial system and market dynamics, evaluating its implications for firms and policymakers