In this book Steven Shavell provides an in-depth analysis and synthesis of the econoic approach to the building blocks of our legal system, namely, property law, tort law, contract law and criminal law. He also examines the litigation process as well as welfare economics and morality. Aimed at a broad audience, this book requires neither a legal background nor technical economics or mathematics to understand it. Because of its breadth, analytical clarity and general accessibility, it is likely to serve as a definitive work in the economic analysis of law.