Evolutionary Theory and Behavioral Biology Research: Implications for Law

Applied Evolutionary Psychology, S.C. Roberts, ed., Oxford University Press, Forthcoming

U. of Pittsburgh Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2010-27

55 Pages Posted: 5 Aug 2010

Date Written: July 2010

Abstract

This chapter describes specific examples of legal scholars applying evolutionary theory and research to particular legal and public policy issues. The chapter explains and demonstrates two primary attributes of the work in this area. First, the works reveal the deep explanatory power of evolutionary theory and research, useful for both legal scholarship and law in action. Second, these works provide for the formulation of new and interesting hypotheses that researchers can test through empirical studies in the field. In the end, this chapter demonstrates how this line of inquiry contributes to the formulation and application of law based on human behavioral research conducted in the context of an established and coherent theoretical framework.

Keywords: applied evolutionary psychology, behavioral biology, empirical research, evolutionary theory, human behavior, law and biology, law and society, lawmaking, legal scholarship, legislation

JEL Classification: K11, K12, K14

Suggested Citation

Herring, David J., Evolutionary Theory and Behavioral Biology Research: Implications for Law (July 2010). Applied Evolutionary Psychology, S.C. Roberts, ed., Oxford University Press, Forthcoming, U. of Pittsburgh Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2010-27, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1653354

David J. Herring (Contact Author)

Independent ( email )

6958 Reynolds Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15208

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