In an an-cap (anarcho-capitalist) society, there is no rule of law, only the NAP (non-aggression principle) and the threat of retaliatory force should someone violate the NAP. Now, the NAP itself is not a foreign idea. Much of western Enlightenment philosophy and modern society is built upon this principle, and indeed many of us live our lives according to it even today. A belief in or adherence to the NAP and why going outside and lighting your neighbor’s yard on fire with a flamethrower is considered anomalous behavior.

The state’s original purpose was to act as an arbiter between individuals and as an enforcer of the NAP in cases where this principle was violated. Since then, the state has taken on a plethora of other forms, some forms of which can be argued against to a great degree of success and validity. But, as it is true now and will be for the foreseeable future, the answer to problematic government is not total and complete abolition of the institution. We’ll explore why this is the case in discussing what law enforcement would look like under such a system.