Free Markets and Social Justice [Paperback]

The newest work from one of the most preeminent voices writing in the legal/political arena today, this important book presents a new conception of the relationship between free markets and social justice. The work begins with foundations--the appropriate role of existing preferences, the importance of social norms, the question whether human goods are commensurable, and issues of distributional equity. Continuing with rights, the work shows that markets have only a partial but instrumental role in the protection of rights. The book concludes with a discussion on regulation, developing approaches that would promote both economic and democratic goals, especially in the context of risks to life and health.

Free Markets and Social Justicedevelops seven basic themes during its discussion: the myth of laissez-faire; preference formation and social norms; the contextual character of choice; the importance of fair distribution; the diversity of human goods; how law can shape preferences; and the puzzles of human rationality. As the latest word from an internationally-renowned writer, this work will raise a number of important questions about economic analysis of law in its conventional form.

This is an excellent book. Sunstein is one of the leading legal scholars of his generation and this is an extremely timely subject, particularly in this era of regulatory embattlement. --Carol Rose, Yale Law School

This is a thought-provoking and important contribution to current public policy debate. Highly recommended for libraries at all levels. --Choice

Sunstein's stature among legal scholars is tremendous; his previous books have reflected an admixture of pathbreaking, provocative scholarship on many key law and policy debates today.Free Markets and Social Justicerepresents a valuable and important contribution to Sunstein's impressive ouevre. --Daniel B. Rodriguez, University of California School of Law, Berkeley