An Economic Analysis of Public Law

Demos and Agora

George Dellis, Professor of Public Law, Athens Law Faculty, Greece

This original and insightful book considers the ways in which public law, which emphasizes legality (the Demos), and economics, a science oriented towards the markets (the Agora), intertwine. Throughout, George Dellis argues that the concepts of legality and efficiency should not be perceived separately.

‘An Economic Analysis of Public Law: Demos and Agora argues persuasively that public lawyers need to learn economics to help them promote effective and publicly acceptable legal reform in democracies. Law is not merely a formal category. It ought to help structure policy responses, both fairly and efficiently, in the face of scarcity, conflicting interests, and imperfect information. Especially in Europe, George Dellis’s important book ought to help frame the debate over the functional role of law.’
– Susan Rose-Ackerman, Yale Law School, US

‘A crystal clear explanation of how economic analysis can be applied to public law. And a brilliant demonstration of what it can contribute to the analysis of public law, in spite of the epistemological and even philosophical differences that separate economics from public law theory in their premises. A fascinating book, indispensable reading for anyone looking for an “advanced” approach to public law.’
– Jean-Bernard Auby, Emeritus Public Law Professor, Sciences Po Paris, France