In "Order Without Right," Ellickson shows that right matters far less than is commonly believed. It demonstrates that the actions of people are largely coordinated by means of informal control, that is, social norms that arise without the participation of the state or other centralized coordinator. Using the latest advances in jurisprudence, economic theory, sociology, game theory and anthropology, Ellickson explores an unexplored world where order is successfully achieved without the help of law. Using examples from a wide variety of areas of human activity, including whaling, copy centers, and the relationship between landlords and tenants, Ellickson examines the interplay of informal and legal norms, as well as those areas where these competing systems are used. Firmly based on the study of the real world, the author creates a general theory of human interaction for mutual benefit.