In Order Without Law, Ellickson shows that law matters much less than is commonly believed. It demonstrates that people's actions are largely coordinated by means of informal control, that is, social norms that arise without the participation of the state or other centralized coordinator. Drawing on the latest insights from jurisprudence, economic theory, sociology, game theory, and anthropology, Ellickson explores an unexplored world where order can be successfully achieved without the aid of law. Using examples from a wide variety of human endeavors, including whaling, copy shops, and landlord-tenant relationships. , Ellickson studies the interaction of informal and legal norms, and the areas in which these competing systems are used. Drawing firmly on real-world research, the author creates a general theory of how people interact for mutual benefit.