Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ECON 427W D100

Industrial Organization: Law and Economics (3)

Class Number: 1813

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 201 and ECON (or BUEC) 333 or ECON 302, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An in depth examination of the application of economic reasoning to the law. The course considers how legal relationships influence behavior and how economic models can explain the structure of the law. A selected number of topics will be covered, and may include the economic approach to common law; property rights; contracts; torts; criminal behavior; family law; and corporate bankruptcy law. Students with credit for BUEC 427 or BUEC 495 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course uses economic theory to understand the general structure of law. It is not a law course. Specifically, it analyzes the economic logic of law, how alterations in laws influence the allocation of resources, and how general economic activity feedback and influence the law. In doing so it provides a theory of the legal regime. The course begins with a general discussion of economic reasoning and the concept of efficiency. It then examines the Coase Theorem in considerable detail. After these introductory foundations, we move on to cover the legal topics of property, contracts, family, torts, and crime. These topics should take the entire semester. If time permits we may briefly cover such topics as anti-trust and public enforcement

This is a “W” course, which means there is a very serious reading and writing component.  Students will complete writing assignments as well as a term paper.   Participation in weekly discussions is mandatory.  Which means doing the assigned reading is also mandatory.  Each student will be expected to lead at least part of one seminar.  

Grading

NOTES:

The distribution of grades will be as follows.

 

Participation 20%

Weekly Written Assignments 10%

Midterm 15%

Term Paper 25%

Final Exam 30%

 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

"Economic Analysis of Property Rights” by Yoram Barzel and Douglas W. Allen. Cambridge Univ. Press, 2023.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.

Final exam schedules will be released during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.