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Comparative Analysis of Litigation Systems: An Auction-Theoretic Approach

Author

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  • Michael R. Baye
  • Dan Kovenock
  • Casper G. de Vries

Abstract

A simple auction-theoretic framework is used to examine symmetric litigation environments where the legal ownership of a disputed asset is unknown by the court. The court observes only the quality of the case presented by each party, and awards the asset to the party presenting the best case. Rational litigants influence the quality of their cases by hiring skillful attorneys. This framework permits us to compare the equilibrium legal expenditures that arise under a continuum of legal systems. The British rule, American rule, and some recently proposed legal reforms are special cases of our model. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG - (Vergleichende Analyse von Prozeßsystemen: Ein auktionstheoretischer Ansatz) Anhand eines einfachen auktionstheoretischen Ansatzes werden symmetrische Prozeßumwelten untersucht, bei denen der Eigentümer des Streitgegenstandes dem Gericht nicht bekannt ist. Das Gericht kann nur die Qualität der durch die einzelnen Parteien präsentierten Argumente beobachten und dann jener Partei den Vermögenszuschlag geben, die die besten Argumente präsentiert hat. Rationale Prozeßparteien beeinflussen die Qualität ihrer Argumente durch den Einsatz geschickter Anwälte. Der gewählte Ansatz erlaubt es, die im Gleichgewicht entstehenden Prozeßkosten für ein Kontinuum von Rechtssystemen zu vergleichen. Die britische Rechtsregelung, die amerikanische Rechtsregelung und einige jüngst vorgeschlagene Rechtsformen sind Spezialfälle des vorgestellten Modells.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael R. Baye & Dan Kovenock & Casper G. de Vries, 2000. "Comparative Analysis of Litigation Systems: An Auction-Theoretic Approach," CIG Working Papers FS IV 00-13, Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin (WZB), Research Unit: Competition and Innovation (CIG).
    • Handle: RePEc:wzb:wzebiv:fsiv00-13
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Auctions; Contests; Litigation; Fee-Shifting;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
    • K4 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior

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