1. Introduction -- 2. Economic Theories of the Firm -- 3. Theory of Commercial Law: Past Approaches -- 4. Theory of Commercial Law: Management-based Commercial Law -- 5. Theories of Corporate Law and Corporations: Past Approaches -- 6. Legal and Economic Theories of Corporate Governance: Past Approaches -- 7. Theory of Corporate Governance: Proposed Legal Theory -- 8. Self-enforcing Governance Models -- 9. Corporate Governance and Innovation -- 10. Theory of Corporate Law: Proposed Theory.

Commercial law, corporate governance and corporate law deal with the organisation of firms. This book proposes a coordinated answer to three problems - the absence of theories of commercial law, the failure of existing theories of corporate governance to explain the actual behaviour of firms, and the failings of existing theories to explain the contents of corporate law. All three areas can be studied from the perspective of the firm. After analysing previous theories, the book proposes a theory of commercial law, defines the law of corporate governance as an area of law, and proposes a new theory of corporate law. In addition, the book shows how firms can increase sustainability by choosing self-enforcing governance models and governance models that foster innovation.