Math in the Law

This forthcoming seminar examines the role of mathematics in both the theory and the practice of law. It has three objectives:

1. Highlight the importance of math throughout the law, from damage calculations in civil litigation to accounting in corporate transactions to cost-benefit analysis in administrative regulation (among many others).
2. Improve the quantitative and statistical reasoning skills needed to perform, understand, and interrogate these applications of math.
3. Develop a qualitative “numbers sense” to distinguish between applications that are correct, appropriate, and credible and applications that are incorrect, inappropriate, or dubious.

The seminar will involve multiple professors and practitioners as well as a wide variety of source materials. Its small enrollment is intended to provide a meaningful experience to students at all levels of mathematical ability.