Who are the Outlaws?

Freakonomics/NYT posts a quorum today that asked four professors from different disciplines the following questions:

1. Does America still have an outlaw group?

2. If so, why do you consider them outlaws?

3. Does society need outlaws?

The answering professors include Stephen Mihm, Graham Seal, Chris Uggen, and yours truly. Check it out.

The diversity of responses is quite interesting. As you might expect, I answer with a (conditional) pro-outlaw affirmative on the last question.

Comments

[Bob Murphy]

Cool answers, Pete. I'm glad they gave you the final word.

I have to quibble with the guy before you, however, who wrote:

"From Robin Hood to Dick Turpin, from Jesus Christ to Jesse James, from Pancho Villa to Ned Kelly, these friends of the poor are said to rob the rich and powerful, to right wrongs, to treat the weak with respect, and to offer violence only in justified defense."

One of these / does not belong / la dee dah.

[Tyler Watts]

Pete Leeson, a true Economist amid mere sociologists. The real irony is that your sociology is probably better than theirs. At least you don't make grave factual errors like the others (as Bob Murphy aptly pointed out).

[Brian Pitt]

Pete,

Great answers! Btw, was the order of responses planned the way it is listed on the post?