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In recent decades, the involvement of economists as consultants and expert witnesses in civil tort actions has grown rapidly. In this article, the authors discuss the reasons for this phenomenon and the extent to conflicts of interest to arise in the practice of what is frequently called 'forensic economics.' They argue that, although conflict-of-interest pressures exist, the limited evidence does not indicate that unethical practices are rampant within the profession. Moreover, market correctives, judicial screening, codes of ethical behavior, and the dissemination of knowledge concerning proper forensic practice help to serve as (arguably imperfect) safeguards against unethical practice.

Abstract. Brazil's rural to urban migration has been dramatic. In 1940 only 15 percent of the country's population lived in urbanized areas. By 1970 more than 50 percent were so classified. This trend in population concentration continues. Studies of the causes and the consequences of population shifts in Brazil when based upon “choice models” of decision making are inconclusive. The current trend in urban migration reflects the impact of structural changes in Brazil's economy including industrialization, agricultural automation, and the accompanying modifications of programs and policies of Brazil's changing governmental elite. Governmental policies designed to stem the flow of population to the cities will require structural changes in the economy comparable to those which precipitated the migration.

The tort reform movement in the United States reached its peak during 1986, when 39 states passed legislation to limit court awards. The explosion of litigation and jury awards in the US. frequently was stated as the cause for the liability insurance crisis. This paper explores the origins of the tort reform crisis. It concludes that the crisis was produced by the natural instability of the liability insurance industry and by the impact of technology on specific coverage lines. Copyright 1988 Western Economic Association International.

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