Journal of Law and Economics – Law Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Journal of Law and Economics for High-Impact Publications

The Journal of Law and Economics stands as a cornerstone in interdisciplinary scholarship, bridging rigorous economic analysis with legal frameworks since its inception in 1958. Published by the University of Chicago Press, this quarterly journal has earned a reputation for publishing groundbreaking studies that apply economic theory to legal institutions, policy, and behavior. Researchers value its commitment to empirical and theoretical work that influences both academic discourse and real-world policy decisions. With a focus on topics like antitrust, contract theory, property rights, and regulatory economics, the journal attracts contributions from leading economists, legal scholars, and social scientists worldwide.

Its prestige is underscored by consistent indexing in top databases and a solid impact factor that reflects its influence in the field. For instance, the Journal of Law and Economics impact factor highlights its role in advancing knowledge at the intersection of law and economics. Scholars appreciate the journal's emphasis on high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that withstand scrutiny and contribute to ongoing debates in public policy and institutional design. The publication process, while selective, rewards innovative approaches that yield testable hypotheses and robust evidence.

Whether examining the economic implications of judicial decisions or modeling incentives in legal systems, the journal provides a platform for work that resonates across disciplines. Its long history of featuring seminal papers has made it a go-to resource for graduate students, professors, and policymakers alike. As the field evolves with new challenges like digital markets and environmental regulations, the Journal of Law and Economics remains at the forefront, offering timely insights that shape future research agendas.

To explore opportunities in academia and connect with peers, consider browsing law professor positions or checking the academic calendar for upcoming conferences and deadlines.

Overview & History

The Journal of Law and Economics was founded in 1958 by the University of Chicago Law School to foster dialogue between economists and legal scholars. Over the decades, it has evolved into a leading venue for interdisciplinary research, publishing articles that integrate economic methodologies with legal analysis. Key milestones include early works on the Coase Theorem and later expansions into behavioral economics and empirical legal studies. Today, it maintains a quarterly publication schedule, featuring original research, book reviews, and special issues on emerging topics like law and technology.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

The journal welcomes submissions that employ quantitative methods to address questions in contract law, torts, corporate governance, and public choice theory, ensuring broad appeal across social sciences.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics demonstrate the journal's enduring influence, with steady citation rates reflecting its relevance in law and economics research.

Indexing and Abstracting

The Journal of Law and Economics is indexed in major databases including Web of Science, Scopus, JSTOR, and EconLit. This ensures wide discoverability for authors' work. Researchers can access abstracts via Scopus or full archives through the publisher's site.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, it operates on a subscription model with an open access option. Standard publication is free for authors under subscription access, while gold open access incurs an article processing charge (APC) of approximately $3,000, subject to confirmation with the publisher. No page charges apply. For details, visit the official guidelines.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled online via the Editorial Manager system. Authors must prepare manuscripts in double-spaced format, anonymized for blind review, with a maximum length of 50 pages including references. The process involves initial editorial screening followed by peer review, typically taking 3-6 months. Guidelines emphasize originality, methodological rigor, and policy relevance. Prepare your work by reviewing submission tips for academic journals.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial team includes renowned scholars such as Co-Editors Dhammika Dharmapala (University of Chicago) and Lee Anne Fennell (University of Chicago), alongside associate editors from Harvard, Stanford, and Yale. Their expertise spans economic theory, empirical methods, and legal history, ensuring balanced and expert evaluations.

Why Publish in Journal of Law and Economics?

Publishing here offers exposure to a global audience of policymakers and academics, enhancing career prospects. The journal's rigorous review process polishes manuscripts for maximum impact, and its affiliation with the University of Chicago adds prestige. For those in law and economics, it signals excellence. Connect with opportunities via Rate My Professor to build networks.

Comparison with Similar Journals

The Journal of Law and Economics distinguishes itself through its foundational role and broader interdisciplinary scope compared to peers.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

• Ensure your abstract clearly states the economic question and legal context.
• Use robust data and cite recent literature to demonstrate novelty.
• Address potential reviewer concerns in revisions.
• Seek feedback from colleagues before submitting; resources like economics faculty positions can provide peer insights.
• Track deadlines using the academic calendar.

By following these strategies, researchers can increase their chances of acceptance in this competitive venue.