description The Law Overview
"The Law" is a foundational classical liberal pamphlet written by French economist Frédéric Bastiat, originally published in 1850. In the text, Bastiat argues that the legitimate function of the law is strictly limited to protecting the natural rights of individuals, specifically life, liberty, and property. He introduces the concept of "legal plunder" to critique government systems that use the law to redistribute wealth or enforce protectionist policies. The work remains a central text in libertarian and classical liberal political philosophy for its clear defense of free-market principles.
insights Ranking position
The Law ranks #134 of 396 in the Pamphlet ranking, behind An Appeal from the New to the Old Whigs, ahead of Fabian Tract No. 51: Socialism: True and False.
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