Economic Perspective on Law and Policy

Study Notes

Laws have a significant impact on economic behavior by shaping incentives.
Laws can promote or hinder economic activity.
Example: Strong property rights encourage investment and lead to economic growth.

Constitutional Law: Defines the government's structure and protects individual rights.
Criminal Law: Deters and punishes harmful behavior, helping to maintain social order.
Civil Law: Resolves disputes between individuals or entities, often involving compensation for harm.
Administrative Law: Regulates government agencies and ensures that they act within their authorized powers.
International Law: Governs relations between countries, including treaties and agreements.
Environmental Law: Protects the environment, regulates pollution, and manages natural resources.

Quasi-judicial bodies designed to resolve specific types of disputes.
Their authority is derived from legislation.
Examples:
- Administrative Tribunals: Handle disputes related to government decisions, such as immigration.
- Human Rights Commissions: Address complaints of discrimination.
- Professional Regulatory Bodies: Govern specific professions, for instance, medical boards.

Criminal Cases: The prosecution must prove guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt."
Civil Cases: The plaintiff must prove their case on the "balance of probabilities," meaning it is more likely than not.
Regulatory/Quasi-Criminal Cases: Typically involve lower burdens of proof compared to criminal cases.

Private Law: Governs relationships between individuals, including contracts and torts (civil wrongs).
Public Law: Involves the government and individuals, such as constitutional law.
Criminal Law: Deals with offenses against the state, often involving penalties like imprisonment.
Quasi-criminal Law: Focuses on regulatory offenses, such as traffic violations.
Regulatory Law: Encompasses rules and regulations created by government agencies to control specific activities, like environmental regulations.