Scholars typically regard the “rule of law” – a stable and predictable process by which laws are implemented, enforced, and changed – as a cornerstone of good governance and a key factor supporting economic growth. Yet establishing the rule of law involves a tradeoff: ex ante commitment...

The creation of the Social Exclusion Unit by the present government in 1997 is just one example of the increased desire by both academics and policy-makers to understand more about the factors that lead to individuals and communities becoming excluded from mainstream society. Of the many aspects...