The activity of lobbying in an economy is one which has numerous societal costs and benefits. The most significant effect is how far from the optimum productivity curve does it move an economy. Is the net effect a negative or positive gain in social welfare measured by standard of living and...

Economists are often skeptical concerning the economic effects of various forms of human rights: it has been argued that basic human rights can make the legal system less efficient but also that extensive social rights are incompatible with market economies. It is argued here that basic human...