A Legal Theory of Finance

53 Pages Posted: 10 May 2013

See all articles by Katharina Pistor

Katharina Pistor

Columbia University School of Law

Date Written: May 9, 2013

Abstract

This paper develops the building blocks for a legal theory of finance. LTF holds that financial markets are legally constructed and as such occupy an essentially hybrid place between state and market, public and private. At the same time, financial markets exhibit dynamics that frequently put them in direct tension with commitments enshrined in law or contracts. This is the case especially in times of financial crisis when the full enforcement of legal commitments would result in the self-destruction of the financial system. This law-finance paradox tends to be resolved by suspending the full force of law where the survival of the system is at stake; that is, at its apex. It is here that power becomes salient.

Suggested Citation

Pistor, Katharina, A Legal Theory of Finance (May 9, 2013). Journal of Comparative Economics, Vol. 41, No. 2, 2013, Columbia Public Law Research Paper No. 13-348, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2262936 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2262936

Katharina Pistor (Contact Author)

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