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There is widespread agreement that climate change is a serious problem. If nations fail to regulate greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, or use alternative strategies for addressing the problem, the damages could be significant, and perhaps catastrophic. In this Essay, I argue that the range of effective options to address this problem is likely to be quite limited for the foreseeable future. The primary reason is that national leaders appear to lack the political will to achieve global emission reductions in a timely manner. This observation does not mean that we should do nothing. It does mean that we should focus on what is likely to be sensible and doable. I argue that it makes little sense to try to bring all countries into a binding international agreement to reduce emissions at this time, because such agreements are not likely to be workable. It makes sense, instead, for interested countries to take some action now to limit greenhouse gas emissions, including putting a price on emissions. It also makes sense to focus on research and development -- including how best to adapt to climate change, improve our understanding of geoengineering, and improve the cost effectiveness of carbon capture. In addition, countries should continue to experiment with institutions that wilt be needed to manage a portfolio of solutions for addressing climate change over the longer term. I also note the absence of key political leadership in this area and suggest what is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the alleged prejudice of the International Trade Commission (ITC) in its patent infringement cases in the U.S. It assumes to use the decisions of district courts as bases for review with ITC's judgments. Results from the review reveal that ITC favors patent holders more than district courts and grants injunctive help as a remedy for infringement more frequently.

The article seeks to address software security problems by presenting a comprehensive assessment of the software security issue using a law and economics framework. It provides definition of software security that demonstrates the complexity of the problem. Types and methods of software attacks, such as worms and viruses, are also cited. It also examines the different aspects of software system security as well as the underlying market failures that complicate efforts to address such problems.

The article considers the use of information markets as means to improve public decision making. Many legal scholars have studied how to improve public decision making. Cost-benefit analysis is a tool used by decision makers to help inform the policy process. It argues that decision makers can be more confident in analytical results if these results are based more directly on market data.

Examines the statistics released by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in its 2003 report on the costs and benefits of regulation. Data on the regulations that pass as benefit-cost test; Reasonableness of the OMB data; Improvement of regulations and regulations analyses; Plausibility of the OMB statistics.

Addresses the influence of economics on environmental and resource policy-making in the U.S. during the 1990s. Trends and changes in the impacts of economic concepts such as efficiency, cost effectiveness and distributional equity; Role of efficiency as a criterion for assessing environmental and natural resource rules and regulations; Overview of the public policy affecting natural resource management during the administration of President Bill Clinton.

Focuses on the role of U.S. states and the federal government in antitrust regulation. Problems with federalism in antitrust enforcement; Case study of federalism in antitrust enforcement; Examination of whether a global authority is needed to promote consumer welfare.

Presents information on a study which analyzed the economic impacts of federal regulation in the United States. Failure of the federal agencies to comply with the Office of Management and Budget guidelines; Evaluation of major environmental, health and safety regulations; Estimation of costs and benefits; Alternatives to maximize net benefits; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Comments on the impact of the proposals of the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security on airline safety and security through an economic analysis. Criticism on lack of data on cost and benefits implications; Cost effectiveness of security measures proposed by the Commission; Delay costs.

Provides a comprehensive review of United States government regulatory activity and demonstrates how the regulatory environment can dramatically affect the performance of particular industries and the overall economy. Examples of innovative regulatory reforms; Recent efforts by the Executive Branch to impose greater discipline and coherence on the structure of federal regulation.