The Common Ground of Law and Anarchism

Abstract

Anarchism often sets itself against the law. However, the alternative vision advanced by anarchism faces theoretical problems. Further, case studies of anarchist communities reveal practical difficulties, and resort to the very behaviour for which anarchism criticises the law. Nevertheless, the values inherent in law are strongly aligned with those championed by anarchism. Ultimately, law and anarchism need not be antithetical; they can be mutually helpful.