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The impact of common law on the volume of legal services: An international study

Author

Listed:
  • Enzo Dia

    (Universita degli Studi di Milano Bicocca)

  • Jacques Melitz

    (CREST, CEPII, Heriot-Watt University)

Abstract

We show that the heavy use of legal services relativeto output in the US is not a peculiarity of the country but applies to common law countries in general. It stems largely from better ability to contract and easier access to justice. Yet in close association, common law also opens significantly more room for rent-seeking by lawyers than civil law. There by the costs could outweigh the benefits. Both real GDP per capita and openness emerge as further factors making room for lawyers.

Suggested Citation

  • Enzo Dia & Jacques Melitz, 2021. "The impact of common law on the volume of legal services: An international study," Working Papers 2021-14, Center for Research in Economics and Statistics.
    • Handle: RePEc:crs:wpaper:2021-14
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Common law; civil law; rent-seeking; openness;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K15 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Civil Law; Common Law
    • K00 - Law and Economics - - General - - - General (including Data Sources and Description)

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