[hsihimvo] Coase Theorem and rape

Normatively apply the Coase Theorem to the problem of rape to suggest policy changes: Legalize prostitution.  Let rape be an issue of civil, not criminal, law.  Society will efficiently sort itself out.  (I predict various forms of insurance will come to exist.)

Or, make the cynical observation that the "he-said she-said" difficulty of prosecution of rape beyond reasonable doubt effectively draws the property line in favor of rapists.  Descriptively applying the Coase Theorem predicts that society will still efficiently sort itself out: potential victims will "pay" to avoid being raped.  And that seems to be happening: women put effort and money into seeking and creating environments and social situations devoid of people they worry about being raped by.  Perhaps going even as far as marriage.

Next, examine the failings of the Coase Theorem (namely transaction costs) to see how they apply.