Compare Two Situations

question 223

Multiple Choice

Compare two situations. (A) A firm is not legally responsible for damages that result from air pollution caused by its production of steel. (B) A firm is legally responsible for damages that result from its production of steel. Ronald Coase argued that

• A) bargaining between the firm and the victims of the air pollution caused by the firm will result in little reduction of pollution in either situation (A) or (B) because the firm has greater economic and political power than the victims.
• B) bargaining between the firm and the victims of the air pollution caused by the firm would lead to a greater reduction in pollution in situation (A) than situation (B).
• C) bargaining between the firm and the victims of the air pollution caused by the firm would lead to a smaller reduction in pollution in situation (A) than situation (B).
• D) bargaining between the firm and the victims of the air pollution caused by the firm would lead to an equal reduction in pollution in situation (A) and situation (B).

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Definitions:

Acquisition Differential

The difference between the cost of the acquisition and the fair value of the net assets acquired in a business combination.

Equity Method

An accounting technique used by a company to record its investment in another company when it has significant influence but not full control.

Unamortized

Describes a portion of a loan or bond or other asset that has not yet been written off or paid down through periodic payments.

Patents

Legal rights granted to inventors, allowing them exclusive use and exploitation of their inventions for a certain period.