The Law

Authors: Frédéric Bastiat

Key Ideas

1. The purpose of law is to protect individual rights and property.

Frédéric Bastiat argues that the law should exist to protect the rights to life, liberty, and property of individuals. Any law that goes beyond this purpose is illegitimate and can lead to injustice.

2. Law should not be used as a means of legal plunder.

Bastiat condemns the use of law to redistribute wealth through legal plunder. He argues that when the law is used in this way, it becomes destructive and promotes a system of legalized theft.

3. Government should be limited to its proper function.

According to Bastiat, ....
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Quiz

1. According to Frédéric Bastiat, what is the purpose of law?

To protect individual rights and property

To enforce a particular moral code

To redistribute wealth

To promote the interests of special interest groups

2. What does Bastiat argue against in regards to the use of law?

Using law for legal plunder

Using law to protect individual rights

Using law to promote equality of outcomes

Using law to enforce morality

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