A review of Njal's Saga explores themes of justice and freedom in medieval Iceland's anarcho-capitalist society, comparing it to modern legal systems and other classic works. Longer summary

The review discusses Njal's Saga, a medieval Icelandic epic, focusing on its portrayal of the early anarcho-capitalist society in Iceland and its complex legal system. The author humorously compares the saga to a Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney game due to its numerous lawsuits and legal proceedings. The review explores themes of justice, freedom, and the transition from a revenge-based society to one governed by law, drawing parallels with other works like The Eumenides. It also reflects on the saga's relevance to modern debates about justice and social order. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander describes six fictional legal systems, each with unique and sometimes absurd approaches to justice and social order, exploring various legal and philosophical concepts in a creative and humorous manner. Longer summary

Scott Alexander presents six fictional legal systems in this creative writing piece. Each system is unique and explores different approaches to justice, punishment, and social order. The Clamzorians treat natural objects as legal entities, Pohjankaupunki uses mood-altering drugs as punishment, Sloviria punishes society for individual crimes, Nova-Nishistan's system is based on blackmail, Bogolia ensures equal legal representation, Sanzorre evolved into an insurance-dominated system, and Mirakoth relies on judges' subjective opinions without formal laws. The post humorously examines the potential consequences and quirks of each system, highlighting various philosophical and practical issues in legal theory and social organization. Shorter summary

Scott reviews David Friedman's book on unconventional legal systems, exploring how different societies have developed unique ways to enforce laws and resolve conflicts without centralized government. Longer summary

This book review explores David Friedman's 'Legal Systems Very Different From Ours', which examines various historical and contemporary legal systems that differ significantly from modern state-run systems. The review highlights how these systems, from medieval Iceland to Gypsy communities, solve problems of law enforcement and conflict resolution without a centralized state. It discusses the economic incentives and cultural evolution that shape these systems, and how they often rely on community enforcement rather than imprisonment. The review also touches on the book's optimistic view of cultural evolution and its relevance to current debates about police and government reform. Shorter summary

Scott reviews 'The Machinery of Freedom' by David Friedman, discussing libertarian ideas and anarcho-capitalist proposals while expressing both interest and skepticism. Longer summary

Scott reviews David Friedman's book 'The Machinery of Freedom', which presents arguments for libertarianism and anarcho-capitalism. The book, originally from 1973, feels dated in some aspects but offers fascinating insights. Scott finds the libertarian arguments compelling but expresses skepticism about the proposed anarcho-capitalist system, listing potential issues and questioning why a system without coercion would solve all problems. He concludes that experimentation with different governance systems is needed rather than relying solely on theoretical predictions. Shorter summary