Legal origins and government COVID-19 control measures

Abstract

A speedy response made a significant difference to the number of infections and deaths due to COVID-19. Did legal philosophies matter for policy responses? We find that when 100 cases had been diagnosed (and 7–14 days thereafter), common law countries had implemented weaker measures than civil law countries. However, no significant difference is found for COVID-19 related deaths. Lower vulnerability is also associated with weaker policies.