Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Using detailed closed claims data from Texas for 1988-2005, we study the effects of two programs that encourage early settlement -- “at-limits” settlement offers by plaintiffs, and “early offers” of economic damages and attorneys fees by defendants.
Texas, like most states, makes insurers that unreasonably refuse to settle a case within policy limits liable to defendants if the case results in an above-limits verdict. This gives plaintiffs an incentive to make at-limits offers (which they routinely do), and gives defendants an incentive to accept those offers. Cases resolved at-limits close about 5 months faster (about a 20% reduction in the period from suit to closing) than similar below-limits cases and have lower defense costs.
There is no comparable incentive for defendants to make (or plaintiffs to accept) settlement offers. Professor Jeffrey O'Connell has long advocated “early offer” rules that would encourage defendants to offer to settle for economic damages plus attorney fees, and punish plaintiffs who refuse such offers. We simulate the effects of these offers. We find that defendants are unlikely to make early offers in cases with large economic damages, but would make these offers in cases with small to moderate economic damages where liability is likely. An early offer program is unlikely to materially affect overall payouts. Our mixed results contrast with claims by O’Connell and co-authors of roughly 70% reductions in payouts and defense costs from such programs. We show that these huge estimated savings reflect the compound effects of a serious of unreasonable assumptions.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: None. I am only offering my help as a discussant or a panel chair

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper surveys data regarding student course selections to fulfill the requirements for the International Studies Minor at Truman State University, a public liberal arts university in the Midwest. The purpose of the study is to empirically demonstrate how the minor is used in practice, how it complements the student’s major, and how it fits within the overall philosophy of the institution’s liberal arts mission of preparing life-long learners who will live and work in a globalized world.The study aims to suggest improvements for the minor and ways of extending the minor into an interdisciplinary major program. Although the study is program specific, it will endeavor to draw lessons that might be of use to other colleges and universities as well.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: We examine the relationship between the dispersion of policy choices on offer in a party system and citizen satisfaction. Cross-national analyses, based on twelve countries from 1973-2003, are presented that suggest that when parties in a political system are more ideologically proximate to the mean voter position in Left-Right terms that overall satisfaction increases. The central impli-cation of this finding is that for understanding within country changes in satisfaction, party posi-tions matter. And, when the average party’s policy position is more proximate to the mean voter position, satisfaction increases. Our macro-level approach produces new insights for understand-ing within country changes in satisfaction over time.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper sets a theoretical stage for the panel by offering a framework for critically analysing poly-centric governance, using ideas from theories of social learning, negotiation and 'new regionalisms'.