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Senn, Peter R. --- "Theodor Herzl (1860-1904)" [1999] ELECD 38; in Backhaus, G. Jürgen (ed), "The Elgar Companion to Law and Economics" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 1999)

Book Title: The Elgar Companion to Law and Economics

Editor(s): Backhaus, G. Jürgen

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781858985169

Section: Chapter 31

Section Title: Theodor Herzl (1860-1904)

Author(s): Senn, Peter R.

Number of pages: 9

Extract:

31 Theodor Herzl(l860-1904)
Peter R. Senn


Theodor Herzl was a unique figure in the institutional history of law and
economics. He was a pioneer in the application of law and economics. Al-
though neither an economist nor a specialist in law, he combined both fields
as he thought about something unique in the history of economics.
He envisioned a new state that was to have distinctive legal and economic
systems. Both were to be based on Jewish views about them. The state he
proposed was built around the idea that Jews would have a place where they
could conduct their lives in accordance with their principles. His writings and
leadership led to the only example of the establishment of a country from
such a foundation, Israel.
His programme was laid out in a booklet, Der Judenstaat (henceforth, The
Jewish State) published in 1896. A gifted writer, he kept a diary, of which
there are many editions. He published much about his vision, including Old-
New Land (Altneuland),a novel designed to inspire faith in the Zionist ideal.
The Jewish State was the main publication in which he laid out his ideas
about law and economics.

Herzl's background
Herzl's contribution and his place in the history of law and economics can
only be understood in the light of his background and the intellectual context
of his time. His work embodies much of the best of the German and Austrian
approach to law and economics. Some facts about ...