Description:

'In this impressive and ambitious book, the authors explore the role of the law in advancing the economic wellbeing of a society. Three tiers of legal regulation of business enterprises and of equity markets are examined: basic foundational law of contracts, property and tort; corporate law; and securities law. The classical economic case for government intervention on the grounds that it can enhance trust, reduce transaction costs and contribute to valuable network externalities is clearly and cogently outlined. There is also a thoughtful account of behavioural analysis of law and corporate finance. New empirical evidence is presented alongside a useful review of studies conducted by other scholars. Complementing the economic, behavioural and empirical analyses, the book also provides a concise history of the development of the law governing corporate finance. Having examined corporate finance law from these different standpoints, in the final chapter the authors draw upon their deep understanding of the subject to provide a new perspective on current controversies. A great virtue of this book is that it covers a great deal of material in a concise, lucid and stimulating manner. The fresh and rigorous analysis also stands out. There is much here that will be of value to students and scholars.' - Eilis Ferran, University of Cambridge, UK In this thorough and enlightening book, the authors examine the role of law in developing the large financial markets necessary for national economic success. They discuss the basic foundational law of contracts, property and tort, corporate law, and securities law, providing both a broad theoretical and empirical case for its value in financial markets. The book begins with an historical analysis of the law's development, reviewing the legal governance of corporate finance with an emphasis on the development of US securities law in the twentieth century. Also provided is an extensive empirical analysis of the law's effect. A unique benefit of the book is its integration of all the relevant aspects, rather than examining them in isolation. Chapters cover the role of law in corporate finance, behavioral and empirical analyses, as well as current controversies in law and corporate finance. Ultimately, the book is a defense of the economic value of the law in the United States and throughout the world. Students and scholars of business and law will find much of interest in the authors' comprehensive study of the rule of law in today's financial markets.