A key issue in the debate over gun control is how it will affectthe relative incentives of criminals and law-abiding citizens to acquireguns. We propose a simple model of interaction of criminals and law-abiding citizens as a contest where the parties arm themselves in orderto improve their...

We present a simple theory of the quality (competence and honesty) of elected officials. Our theoryoffers three main insights. Low-quality citizens have a ‘comparative advantage’ in pursuing electiveoffice, because their market wages are lower than those of high-quality citizens...

A crucial aspect of constitutional design is the provision of rules onhow a constitution is to be amended. If procedures for constitutional amendmentare very restrictive, changes will take place outside the constitution. Thesechanges are likely to be against the citizens’ interests and their...

Germany is introducing a nation-wide health telematics infrastructure that enables various electronic health services (EHS). Little is known about the burdens and drivers for potential adoption of these innovations. Based on a quantitative study among German physicians participating in pilot...

Funketiketten oder -chips und Kundenkartensind zwei prominente Beispiele für Anwendungen,die den Verbraucherschutz in einer digitalenWelt auf den Plan rufen. Ihr wesentlicher Berührungspunktliegt im häufi g nicht ausreichendenDatenschutz.Die Vorteile von RFID1 und Kundenkartenaus...

The present document brings together useful information to enable a better implementation of the Machinery Directive 98/37/EC(1). This Directive is the compiled version of the four existing texts, relating to the original Directive and its three amendments(2). It is addressed to all parties who...

Fishing and aquaculture are important economic activities in the European Union, in particular in coastal areas where there are few alternatives. They help to supply the European market, on which demand now tends to outstrip supply. Faced with both the worrying problem of dwindling fish stocks...

Significant changes in climate are already visible globally, and are expected to become more pronounced in the future. These will lead to wide ranging impacts on the natural and man-made environment across different sectors and regions, which in turn will lead to economic costs. These economic...