This essay offers some observations, from the perspective of an economist, on the usefulness of economics for understanding law. Economic analysis provides a coherent theoretical framework for unifying different areas of law based on the pursuit of efficiency. It does this by recognizing common...

Generally-accepted appraisal practice assumes the Hypothetical Buyer is not well-diversified because the typical real-world buyer does not possess sufficient wealth to own a well-diversified portfolio with assets each in similar value to the subject closely-held interest under appraisal (e.g.,...

We develop a new method for calculating reliable discounts for lack of marketability (DLOMs) for minority family limited partnership (FLP) interests, which we term the Managed Asset Portfolio Market (MAPM) Analysis. DLOMs typically are the largest valuation adjustment in, and often the most...

Courts require royalty rate calculations based on rigorous economic foundations. The licensing literature provides limited guidance for royalty rate determination, leaving appraisal report readers wanting a more tangible and objective lens through which to understand and judge the credibility of...

This essay discusses the use of economic models for understanding law. It begins by describing the nature of economic models in general, and then turns to the specific application of economic models to law. The discussion distinguishes between “economic analysis of law”— which concerns the...