Ateneo - UPO

This course explores the economic analysis of contract law, property law, tort law and legal process.
The course begins with an introductory overview of Law and Economics, emphasizing the adopted approach and its contribution to support the policy maker in improving the legal environment that regulates the market (i). Afterwards, the course proposes an economic theory of contract law, with a focus on corporate finance and firms’ access to external financial resources (ii). Finally, the course proposes an economic theory of property law, with a focus on intellectual property rights and the innovation process (iii).
The topics are supported by case studies and practical applications, leading students and supporting their learning.

Cooter, R., & Ulen, T. (2016). Law and economics. Addison-Wesley.
Scientific articles on the treated topics.

The course has the following mission: improving students’ knowledge and understanding skills of economic analysis of law (i); enhancing students’ ability to apply the acquired knowledge to interpret market dynamics, identifying which might be the strategies adopted by corporations (ii); improving students’ abilities in selecting which might be the most appropriate technique to implement applied studies and how to interpret the collect evidence (iii); increasing students’ communication skills, empowering their ability in identifying practical implications and in fostering key messages to all stakeholders (iv); improving students’ learning skills, proposing relevant literature on the topics under investigation and case studies that reflect the current situation of the Italian market and its legal environment (v).

The course does not require any particular background or specific knowledge.

The course proposes lectures on the core issues of the program, and seminar sessions during which students must contribute to the learning process by presenting articles/case studies on relevant topics for the Law and Economics, actively taking part in their discussion. Moreover, the course proposes specific seminar with international scholars.

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.

Oral presentation of an article/case study (during the course) and written exam (at the end of the course).

An Introduction to Law and Economics (first part).
An Economic Theory of Contract Law (second part).
Case studies and applications: financial constraints and insolvency procedures (third part)
An Economic Theory of Property Law (fourth part).
Case studies and applications: innovation and intellectual property rights (fifth part)

At the end of the course, students will be able to apply microeconomic theory in the analysis of a legal environment (i); how to apply economic concepts and models in the analysis of law (ii), and how to investigate the relation between judiciary and market dynamics (iii).