The Law

"The Law" is a book written by Frederic Bastiat in 1850. It is an essay on the nature and function of law in a free society. The book argues that the only legitimate role of law is to protect people from violence, theft and fraud. Bastiat provides an analysis of the state’s duty to defend the lives, liberties and properties of its citizens. The book also argues that people should not be allowed to use the law to oppress others and take away their freedoms. Finally, Bastiat provides a defense of the free market and the principle of free exchange.