Specialization in Law and Economics

The Institute of Law and Economics is the central contact point for all questions concerning the specialisation "Economic Analysis of Law".

In the United States, as in many other countries, the economic analysis of law (Law & Economics) is an integral part of university education today. The economic analysis of law is used to assess the effects of legal rules upon human behaviour. Frequently, considerable deviations from the will of the parties or the legislator become apparent. Knowledge of legal economics has therefore become indispensable for lawyers involved in contract drafting, legislation or case law. Our experience shows that graduates with good legal and economic knowledge are very successful in the job market.

Since 2005, the University of Hamburg has been offering the special area of "Economic Analysis of Law". Hamburg is thus a pioneer in Germany and is catching up internationally. The focus area is managed by the Institute of Law and Economics. The courses offered include: 

• Introduction to Economics: Basic Assumptions and Analytical Tools
• Economic Analysis of Law: Economically Analyzing Legal Rules
• Corporate Governance: Corporate Governance through the Lens of Economic Analysis of Law
• Economic Analysis of the Judiciary
• Corporate Finance
• Economic Analysis of Civil Liability in Contract and Tort Law
• Economic Analysis of the Constitution
• Seminar on Economic Analysis of Law

More detailed information on the specialisation area can be found on the faculty's website.