David Skarbek is the Searle Visiting Assistant Professor in the Political Science Department at Duke University. He received his Ph.D. in Economics at George Mason University and his Bachelors of Science at San Jose State University. His research has appeared in numerous journals, including the Journal of Law, Economics and Organization, Journal of Labor Research, and the Independent Review. He is recipient of the Don Lavoie Memorial Award, the Kirzner Award, and the James F. Willis Award for Excellence in Economics. His research focuses on applied microeconomics, political economy, and new institutional economics.