In 'Legal Systems Very Different from Ours', authors Peter Leeson, David Skarbek, and David Friedman explore fascinating and unconventional legal systems that challenge our perceptions of law and order. From medieval Iceland's unique conflict resolution methods to the informal, self-regulating rules of pirates, the book reveals how diverse civilizations create their own justice mechanisms. It prompts intriguing questions: What can we learn from these systems about human behavior and governance? As it delves into the unexpected efficiency of these alternatives, readers are invited to rethink the very foundations of law. A compelling journey through history and human ingenuity awaits those who dare to discover the world's legal diversity.
By Peter Leeson, David Skarbek, David Friedman
Published: 2019
""In societies with unique legal systems, often it is not the law itself that determines justice, but rather the unwritten rules that guide human behavior and interactions.""
This book looks at thirteen different legal systems, ranging from Imperial China to modern Amish: how they worked, what problems they faced, how they dealt with them. Some chapters deal with a single legal system, others with topics relevant to several, such as problems with law based on divine revelation or how systems work in which law enforcement is private and decentralized. The book's underlying assumption is that all human societies face the same problems, deal with them in an interesting variety of different ways, are all the work of grown-ups, hence should all be taken seriously. It ends with a chapter on features of past legal systems that a modern system might want to borrow.
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“"In societies with unique legal systems, often it is not the law itself that determines justice, but rather the unwritten rules that guide human behavior and interactions."”
Legal Systems Very Different from Ours
By Peter Leeson, David Skarbek, David Friedman
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Peter Leeson is an accomplished economist and author known for his innovative approach to applying economic principles to a diverse array of topics. He is a professor at George Mason University and has contributed to various fields, including political economy, law, and public choice theory. Notable works include 'The Invisible Hook: Attracting Business Through Social Capital' and 'Anarchy Unbound: Why Self-Governance Works Better Than You Think'. Leeson's writing is characterized by its clarity, wit, and the use of real-world examples to illustrate complex economic concepts, making his insights accessible to both academic and general audiences.
David Skarbek is an acclaimed author and scholar known for his insightful explorations of the social dynamics within prisons and the complexities of human behavior. His notable works include 'The Experiment of Authority,' where he delves into the effects of prison governance on inmate behavior, and 'The Social Order of the Underworld,' which examines the informal rules that govern gangs and criminal organizations. Skarbek’s writing is characterized by its rigorous analysis, clear prose, and a unique ability to blend theoretical insights with empirical research, making complex social phenomena accessible to a broad audience.
David Friedman is an acclaimed author and economist, known for his innovative contributions to economic thought and social philosophy. His notable works include 'Machan's' which explores the intersection of economics and ethics, and 'Legal Systems Very Different from Ours' where he examines legal systems around the world through a comparative lens. With a writing style that combines rigorous analysis with accessible language, Friedman engages readers in complex ideas, making them understandable and relevant to contemporary discussions. He is also recognized for his thought-provoking essays and has been a prominent voice in the libertarian movement.
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