The suggested changes to German orthography are among last year's most fervently debated topics. The article identifies the individual and collective costs and benefits of such a change and, from the point of view of standardization economics, inquires into the conditions under which such a...

Quite a few economists hold the opinion that exorbitant prices paid for original works of art reflect an irrational cult made of unique pieces created by renowned artists; (close to) perfect copies would yield comparable benefits at a substantially lower price. The article gives reasons for the...

In this paper, recent accounting scandals in Germany are traced back to a serious incentive problem in German auditing law. Since the auditor depends economically on his client, contrary to the legislator's intention, a factual forcing contract is established which enables the client to control...