“All-Natural”, “Organic”, “superfood” and “GMO-free” are all phrases and buzzwords that have become a common sight in grocery aisles. As consumers become increasingly conscious of the food they ingest, producers, manufacturers and marketers have sought to produce products that appeal to consumer’s increasing appetite for healthy foods and beverages. Unfortunately, these common buzzwords are difficult … Continue reading “Food Fight: Legal Battle Over Food Labeling”
The civil justice system in the United States is in a constant state of flux. Changes occur at both the state and federal levels, through both legislative and judicial actions. At the same time, judges face a constant barrage of new and innovative legal theories and procedural maneuvers. The LEC’s annual Judicial Symposium on Civil … Continue reading “Thirteenth Annual Judicial Symposium on Civil Justice Issues”
Today’s vibrant internet economy is increasingly driven by the collection and use of consumer data. While the tech sector has provided tremendous benefits to consumers, the unintended consequences of data sharing can raise concerns, as evidenced by the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica controversy. Naturally, policy discussions are focused on how best to protect consumers from harmful uses … Continue reading “AGEP Workshop on Information , Advertising, and Privacy”
The revelation of the Cambridge Analytica scandal marked a tipping point in policy debates around Big Data, but while new regulations seem inevitable, the path of American privacy and data security law is still uncertain. How should lawmakers respond to the mounting public distrust of the digital economy? This year’s annual public policy symposium will … Continue reading “7th Annual Public Policy Symposium on the Law & Economics of Privacy and Data Security”
On May 16, 2019, the Program on Financial Regulation & Technology presented their first Public Policy Conference on Smart Regulation and the Future of Financial Services at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School in Arlington, VA. The conference included a speech by SEC Commissioner Hester Pierce and a conversation with Craig Phillips, Counselor to … Continue reading “Smart Regulation and the Future of Financial Services Conference”
Frustrated by what they perceive as a lack of progress on climate change-related regulation, a number of American cities, municipalities, and groups of concerned citizens are taking action into their own hands by filing lawsuits against fossil fuel companies over the industry’s role in global warming. San Francisco, Oakland, and New York, are among the … Continue reading “Climate Change in the Courts: A Perfect Storm of Litigation”
The goal of the Economics Institute for Law Professors was to help participants enhance their understanding of economics and broaden their analytical tools in order to introduce greater economic sophistication and policy relevance to their professional work. More than 850 law professors worldwide have attended the LEC’s Economics Institutes. Alumni routinely credit the Institute with … Continue reading “34th Economics Institute for Law Professors”
Evidence that a widely used class of water resistant chemicals called per-fluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (or PFAS) may be harmful to humans has led legislators and regulatory agencies to call for greater restrictions on their use. And plaintiff’s lawyers are busy recruiting clients – including individuals who’ve been exposed to the chemicals at work as … Continue reading “Toxic Politics: How Should Congress, Regulators, and Courts Address PFAS Chemicals?”
Short Course on Economics for Judges Judges participated in a three-day lecture program on basic economic concepts which were reinforced by numerous applications to law and public policy. Attendance was limited to 30 judges. Instructors: Henry N. Butler, JD, PhD, Dean; George Mason University Foundation Professor of Law; Executive Director, Law & Economics Center, George … Continue reading “Short Course on Economics for Judges”
Case Analysis Seminar Judges are assumed to be equal participants and are expected to contribute to the discussion. For each case: (a) An economic concept was introduced by the moderator, (b) a judge provided a brief overview of the case, and (c) the judges spent an hour or so discussing how the specific economic concept … Continue reading “Case Analysis Seminar”
