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Episode 527: David Friedman Returns!

October 8, 2026 · 1 h 11 min

Show notes

David Friedman joins us once again to discuss differing legal systems (and Renaissance fairs).


00:00 Introduction and Episode Preview

01:14 Furries, Renaissance Fairs, and Pittsburgh Subcultures

06:42 Rethinking the Social Security Retirement Age

10:46 Foolishness of the Week: The BBC Loses Its Mind

17:02 David Friedman on Alternative Legal Systems

17:58 Renaissance Fairs vs. Historical Recreation

23:04 Competing Legal Systems Throughout History

28:15 Benefit of Clergy and Medieval English Law

30:29 How Multiple Legal Systems Can Coexist

32:06 Order Without Law and Enforcing Social Norms

35:27 Civil Asset Forfeiture and Incentives in Punishment

36:45 Amish and Romani Legal Systems

39:50 How Romani Communities Enforce Their Own Laws

46:11 Sharia Law and Islamic Legal Systems in America

53:08 When Crime Is Against the State vs. the Victim

55:17 Private Justice and Compensation in Iraq

57:46 Tribal Responsibility and Saudi Legal Traditions

59:09 David Friedman’s Current Projects and What’s Next

1:00:11 Climate Change, Population Growth, and Economic Orthodoxy

1:02:39 Where to Find David Friedman’s Work

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