| dc.description.abstract | We propose a model where the probability that courts will enforce a statute is endogenous to the
statute itself. We obtain, rst, that the enactment of legislation prohibiting something might raise the
probability that courts will allow related things not expressly forbidden. We call that a permitting
prohibition and discuss examples that are consistent with the model. Second, we obtain that dispersion
of court decisions might be greater with legislation that commands little court deference, than with
legislation that commands none. Thus, within a certain range, legislation improvement might trade-o¤
with court predictability. | por |
