Abstract

In law school we often focus on the importance of carefully crafting statutory and regulatory language. Textual ambiguities or sloppiness can significantly impair the efficacy of laws and regulations. Just as important as meticulous drafting, however, is the government’s ability to enforce its rules. In the absence of adequate enforcement resources, the government’s regulatory initiatives may well fail. The ability to promote public welfare depends as much on regulatory compliance as it does on the text of the regulations themselves.