EMLE case studies
EMLE · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The European Master in Law and Economics (EMLE) is an interdisciplinary graduate programme that trains students to apply economic reasoning to legal rules and institutions. The entrance examination is designed to identify candidates who can handle both sides of that programme: they need enough microeconomic theory to analyse incentives and market outcomes, enough legal doctrine to understand what rules actually do, and enough analytical and written skill to connect the two. The exam is not a test of memorised legal codes or advanced mathematics; it is a test of whether you can reason from a model or a rule to a conclusion and explain that reasoning clearly. Candidates typically come from law, economics, or a joint background, and the exam is used to check that neither side is a blind spot. The EMLE case studies are 5 cases and about 2,774 words.
1Ferry Fares, Peak Capacity, and Distribution
An island ferry operator faces two daily demand segments. Peak demand is Qp = 14,000 − 1,500P; off-peak demand is Qo = 8,000 − 1,500P, where Q is passengers and P is the fare in euros.
602 words, about 3 min2Chemical Plant, Laundry, and the Cost of Bargaining
A chemical plant and a laundry share a riverbank. The plant earns €3.2 million per year.
532 words, about 3 min3Cross-Border Software, Good Faith, and Choice of Law
A Portuguese municipality signed a €2.4 million contract with a German software vendor to implement a tax-reporting platform. During pre-contractual negotiations the vendor knew that its standard module could not produce the XML format required by Portuguese tax authorities, but it did not disclose this.
606 words, about 3 min4Hazardous Storage, Judgment-Proofness, and Bilateral Care
A warehouse stores 40,000 litres of industrial solvent 300 metres from a river. With low care, the annual probability of a spill is 8%; with high care it is 2%.
483 words, about 2 min5Bus Merger, Diversion Ratios, and Depot Slots
Two bus operators propose a merger. On the 12 overlapping intercity routes, Operator A has 45% share, Operator B 25%, Operator C 15%, and fringe operators 15%.
551 words, about 3 min