This chapter surveys the theory of the public enforcement of law--the use of governmental agents (regulators, inspectors, tax auditors, police, prosecutors) to detect and to sanction violators of legal rules. The theoretical core of the analysis addresses the following basic questions: Should...

Introduction -- Efficiency and equity -- The coase theorem -- First application : nuisance law -- Second application : breach of contract -- Third application : automobile accidents -- Risk bearing and insurance -- Fourth application : breach of contract again -- Fifth application : automobile...