Evolutionary Theory and Behavioral Biology Research: Implications for Law

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.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 55

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

Accepted Paper Series