The Chapter 7 bankruptcy code was motivated by the notion of a "fresh start," which was justified in part by the Supreme Court on the grounds that it would encourage work incentives. We ask the question, "how does a fresh start affect labor supply?" This question is explored in the context of a...

In this paper, we ask how bankruptcy law affects the financial decisions of corporations and its implications for firm dynamics. According to current U.S. law, firms have two bankruptcy options: Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 11 reorganization. Using Compustat data, we first document capital...

In this paper, we ask how bankruptcy law affects the financial decisions of corporations and its implications for firm dynamics. According to current U.S. law, firms have two bankruptcy options: Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 11 reorganization. Using Compustat data, we first document capital...