The Conglomerate Enron Forum
The Conglomerate Enron Forum is up and running with a handful (yes, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5!) of posts from Larry Ribstein, as well as entries from Bill Bratton, Ellen Podgor, Don Langevoort, Victor Fleischer, Nancy Rapoport, and Matt Bodie. The lineup also includes John Coffee, Thomas Joo, Vic Khanna, and of course, the ... The Conglomerate Enron Forum
Do Economists Make Better Lawyers?
Yes. So says R. Kim Craft and Joe G. Baker in a recent paper in the Journal of Economic Education entitled “Do Economists Make Better Lawyers? Undergraduate Degree Field and Lawyer Earnings.” Here is the abstract: Using nationally representative data, the authors examine the effects of preprofessional education on the earnings of lawyers. They specify ... Do Economists Make Better Lawyers?
Ribstein Responds: Lawyer Licensing Continued
In my first post on the economics of lawyer licensing (and in the comments) as well as my subsequent response to the Wilson/ Ribstein Point of Law discussion, I mentioned that this is an area where empirical evidence should add significantly to the debate since we have a good deal of variance in state restrictions ... Ribstein Responds: Lawyer Licensing Continued
Robinson-Patman Act Repealed!
Ok, not really. But the Antitrust Modernization Committee voted overwhelmingly in favor to repeal the Act (HT: Antitrust Review). Apparently, nine Commissioners voted in support of a the statement: “that Congress should repeal the Act in its entirety” on the grounds that: (1) the Act does not serve any purposes not already served by the ... Robinson-Patman Act Repealed!
Lawyer Licensing: Where's the Data?
Larry Ribstein and Jonathan Wilson are discussing the merits of lawyer licensing at Point of Law. I am especially interested in the discussion of whether lawyer licensing actually protects consumers of legal services from dishonest and incompetent lawyers. Wilson argues that removal of lawyer licensing may well result in lower prices for legal services, but ... Lawyer Licensing: Where's the Data?
Some Reactions to FTC Report on "Gouging"
I posted on the FTC Report findings earlier. In sum, the FTC was able to identify only isolated and sporadic incidences of pricing behavior which were not explained by changes in supply and demand conditions at the local, regional, and national level. In addition, the FTC investigation did not reveal any antitrust violations. The reactions ... Some Reactions to FTC Report on "Gouging"
The FTC Report on Price Gouging (And Its Absence)
The Federal Trade Commission was directed to investigate the possibility of price gouging and manipulation in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The FTC released its 222 page report today (HT: Antitrust Review). It is a comprehensive analysis of local, regional, and national prices before and after Katrina and Rita. One of the key tasks charged ... The FTC Report on Price Gouging (And Its Absence)
Anticompetitive Barriers to E-Commerce
GMU Law, the Mercatus Center, and the Journal of Law, Economics, and Policy are sponsoring a symposium on this topic Wednesday at Hazel Hall (the law school building) at GMU. The symposium has a nice mix of economic research and legal analysis. It looks very interesting and includes a keynote address by Kenneth Starr. The ... Anticompetitive Barriers to E-Commerce
GMU's Moore Nominated to Federal Circuit
As anticipated, the White House has announced that GMU’s Kimberly Moore has been nominated to the Federal Circuit. Congratulations, Professor Moore!
Economic Illiteracy of the Week?
Via Ted Frank at Point of Law, the House has overwhelmingly passed a price gouging bill that will not help consumers, but on the bright side, is likely to provide a fresh example for microeconomics instructors teaching the consequences of price controls. The award for economic illiteracy of the week goes to the whole House, ... Economic Illiteracy of the Week?
No Monkey Scribes Here: The MasterCard IPO and the Role of the Lawyer
Bill’s post concerning the role of lawyers in reducing regulatory costs reminded me that that I had forgotten to post after the recent Harvard Negotiation Law Review Symposium on Deal-Making and Strategic Negotiation (thanks for the invite Vic). I had blogged about the value of case studies for empirical scholarship here. The symposium included some ... No Monkey Scribes Here: The MasterCard IPO and the Role of the Lawyer
Why Spitzer's Payola Attacks Will Harm Consumers
WSJ Law Blog and the WSJ report that Universal Music has now settled with the NY AG’s office for $12 million as a result of Spitzer’s continued attack on what he describes as “corrupt practices” in the music industry. (HT: Bill) The settlement also requires Universal, like Sony BMG and EMG before it, to cease ... Why Spitzer's Payola Attacks Will Harm Consumers
