Seduction by Contract: Law, Economics, and Psychology in Consumer Markets

Exceptionally illuminating and packed with findings and ideas. Seduction By Contract is important reading for those interested in behavioral economics, human behavior, and some of the most important policy debates of the current decade.” ― Cass R. Sunstein, Felix Frankfurter Professor of Law, Harvard Law School and former Administrator, White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs

Professor Bar-Gill, a pioneer in the injection of psychological realism into economic analysis of law, has written a very timely and very important book on consumer contracts, and specifically on the ominous ingenuity with which modern marketers exploit the incapacity of so many consumers to understand complex contractual terms, especially relating to credit. His book will inform administrative and judicial regulation of consumer contracts. ― Judge Richard A. Posner

This book shows why Oren Bar-Gill was the first winner of the American Law Institute’s Young Scholars Medal. Economics and psychology are melded to explain legal reforms that would improve the contractual rights of consumers who obtain credit cards, mortgages, or cell phones. This is first-class legal scholarship that can influence public policy. ― Lance Leibman, Director, American Law Institute

As Oren Bar-Gill’s designated rational choice “nemesis,” I applaud his ambitious efforts to account for the role of human error in the full range of consumer transactions. His bold claim that product and service providers, even in competitive markets, are able to manipulate the terms of standard form contracts to their private advantage, if sustainable, creates a prima facie case for government regulation of these consumer markets. Bar-Gill’s work promises to be at the center of a continuing debate of national importance. ― Richard Epstein, Laurence A. Tisch Professor of Law, New York University School of Law

Oren Bar-Gill argues that consumer contracts are often both inefficient and exploitative in predictable ways, and illustrates with case studies. The claim is provocative but plausible, and the analysis addresses many of an economist’s follow-on questions. I look forward to teaching from this book. ― Joseph V. Farrell, Professor of Economics, University of California, Berkeley

Bar-Gill’s scholarship focuses on the law and economics of contracts. His more than 30 articles have been published in leading law reviews and peer-reviewed journals. In 2011, Bar-Gill’s work on consumer contracts was recognized by the American Law Institute, which awarded him its inaugural Young Scholar Medal. Bar-Gill is currently a co-Reporter for the American Law Institute’s project on the Law of Consumer Contracts. Bar-Gill is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Law and Economics Association. He advises both government agencies and private sector parties on issues pertaining to consumer contracts and consumer protection.