This article surveys the theory of the public enforcement of law -- the use of public agents (inspectors, tax auditors …, police, prosecutors) to detect and to sanction violators of legal rules. We first present the basic elements of the theory …, focusing on the probability of imposition of sanctions, the magnitude and form of sanctions, and the rule of liability. We then …

One of the principal results in the economic theory of liability is that, assuming litigation is costless, the rule of … strict liability with compensatory damages leads the injurer to choose the socially appropriate level of care. This paper … reexamines this result when litigation is costly. It is shown that strict liability with compensatory damages generally leads to …

This paper formally analyzes strict liability and negligence in a market setting. The discussion emphasizes the impact …

This paper analyzes the normative role for civil liability in aligning terrorism precaution incentives, when the … victims, and terrorists within a sequential, game-theoretic model. The model reveals that, while an "optimal" liability regime …

liability rules on incentives to reduce accident risks. Then consideration of accident law is broadened (chapter 5) to reflect … the effect of liability rules on compensation of victims and the allocation of risk. In this regard a central issue is the … roles of victims' insurance and of liability insurance, and how they alter the incentives inherent in liability rules …

liability rules on incentives to reduce accident risks. Then consideration of accident law is broadened (chapter 5) to reflect … the effect of liability rules on compensation of victims and the allocation of risk. In this regard a central issue is the … roles of victims' insurance and of liability insurance, and how they alter the incentives inherent in liability rules …

results that are generally consistent with the theory. Lawsuits where the plaintiff is an individual are found to have higher …