This paper describes the plant closing regulations adopted in Maine during the 1971-81 period and documents a pattern of relatively poor compliance with the advance notice and severance pay requirements of the law. Data on the number of workers laid off in major plant closings, on...

The traditional neoclassical economic view that preferences are “inscrutable” and can only be revealed through behavior would, if true, make it difficult for altruists to make efficient decisions. We question whether altruism should be defined as a preference that can be revealed, or indeed,...