Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/S0144-8188(02)00117-5
Title (Primary) Trade secrets versus Cost Benefit Analysis
Author Hofmann, E.; von Wangenheim, G.
Source Titel International Review of Law and Economics
Year 2002
Department UPR
Volume 22
Issue 4
Page From 511
Page To 526
Language englisch
Abstract We argue that administrative agencies should base their decisions on Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) for two reasons: first the well known ex ante effect that CBA make public decisions more rational and second the little discussed ex post effect that the agency’s CBA provides valuable information to judicial or political bodies controlling the agency. The ex post purpose of CBA implies (judicial review of administrative decisions) or requires (political review) the public availability of the CBA. A conflict between this public availability and the protection of trade secrets arises, if the costs or benefits of a decision depend on information which are trade secrets. As a solution to this conflict, we propose a nonpublic in camera court procedure which leaves little discretion to the agency.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=5591
Hofmann, E., von Wangenheim, G. (2002):
Trade secrets versus Cost Benefit Analysis
Int. Rev. Law Econ. 22 (4), 511 - 526 10.1016/S0144-8188(02)00117-5