We propose a model of the emergence of equality before the law. A society can support “effort” (“cooperation”, “pro-social behavior”) using the “carrot” of future cooperation or the “stick” of coercive punishment. Community enforcement relies only on the carrot and involves...

We propose a model of the emergence of equality before the law. A society can support "effort" ("cooperation", "pro-social behavior") using the "carrot" of future cooperation or the "stick" of coercive punishment. Community enforcement relies only on the carrot and involves low coercion, low...