Download This PaperEquality Between Efficiency and Distribution—A Law-and-Economics Reconceptualization of a Principle of Justice
Stefan Grundmann and Jan Thiessen (eds.). From Formal to Material Equality. Comparative Perspectives from History, Plurality of Disciplines and Theory. Intersentia: Cambridge, 2023, pp. 91–109.
FUELS WORKING PAPER #10
21 Pages Posted: 11 May 2022 Last revised: 18 Jan 2023
Date Written: May 10, 2022
Abstract
This chapter sheds light on the principle of equality from the perspective of normative (law and) economics as a theory of justice. In this reconceptualization, equality appears in two forms: On the one hand, specific equal-treatment rules can be derived from the efficiency goal. Law and economics thus offers a novel justification of such rules and their proper scope. On the other hand, equality figures prominently in the just distribution of wealth. To analyze this dimension, normative economics offers the social welfare function as an analytical tool. From the economic perspective, distributional equality is directed at equality in the satisfaction of preferences or needs (as opposed to merit-based approaches). Overall, law and economics favors a functional separation between distributional and efficiency goals: The fair distribution of welfare is to be achieved through tax and social security law, while all other areas of law and their principles of equality are to be oriented toward the criterion of efficiency.
Keywords: equality, equal treatment, efficiency, social welfare function
JEL Classification: K00, D61, D63
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation