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Unearthing T. Rex: The Law And Economics Of Paleontological Finds

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  • Paul Hallwood
  • Thomas J. Miceli

Abstract

This paper assesses the economic aspects of the search for and recovery of fossils on U.S. lands. The objective is taken to be the maximization of the social value of these resources, including the market and scientific values. Because independent searchers may not internalize the scientific value, we develop a reward scheme that incentivizes both optimal recovery of finds, and optimal search. We then trace how U.S. federal and state laws have tried to strike a balance between search activity and scientific recovery. We argue that existing law deals well with recovery but does not generally promote optimal search. (JEL D83, H41, I23, K11, O32)

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Hallwood & Thomas J. Miceli, 2020. "Unearthing T. Rex: The Law And Economics Of Paleontological Finds," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 38(4), pages 723-735, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:coecpo:v:38:y:2020:i:4:p:723-735
    DOI: 10.1111/coep.12473
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul Hallwood & Thomas J. Miceli, 2006. "Murky Waters: The Law and Economics of Salvaging Historic Shipwrecks," The Journal of Legal Studies, University of Chicago Press, vol. 35(2), pages 285-302, June.
    2. Harold Hotelling, 1931. "The Economics of Exhaustible Resources," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 39, pages 137-137.
    3. Mortensen, Dale T, 1982. "Property Rights and Efficiency in Mating, Racing, and Related Games," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 72(5), pages 968-979, December.
    4. Shavell, Steven & van Ypersele, Tanguy, 2001. "Rewards versus Intellectual Property Rights," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 44(2), pages 525-547, October.
    5. William M. Landes & Richard A. Posner, 1978. "Salvors, Finders, Good Samaritans and Other Rescuers: An Economic Study of Law and Altruism," NBER Working Papers 0227, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    6. Lueck, Dean, 1995. "The Rule of First Possession and the Design of the Law," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 38(2), pages 393-436, October.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • K11 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Property Law
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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