A Legal and Economic Analysis of Graffiti

Humanomics, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 29-38, 2007

12 Pages Posted: 4 Jan 2020

See all articles by Daniel Joseph D'Amico

Daniel Joseph D'Amico

Loyola University New Orleans - Joseph A. Butt S.J. College of Business - Economics Department

Walter E. Block

Loyola University New Orleans - Joseph A. Butt, S.J. College of Business

Abstract

A case for the de-criminalization of graffiti is made, based on the existence of an unjust government, and predicated on private property rights. A distinction is made between artistic trespass, or vandalism, on the one hand, which we claim can be undertaken only on private property, and, on the other, graffiti, which in our view can only occur on public property. If the government that claims ownership of the latter is an illicit one, then graffiti can reasonably be interpreted as a justified attack on it, or rebellion.

Keywords: graffiti, art, painting, property rights

JEL Classification: L82, Z1

Suggested Citation

D'Amico, Daniel Joseph and Block, Walter E., A Legal and Economic Analysis of Graffiti. Humanomics, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 29-38, 2007, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1008525

Daniel Joseph D'Amico (Contact Author)

Loyola University New Orleans - Joseph A. Butt S.J. College of Business - Economics Department ( email )

6363 St. Charles Ave
Box 015
New Orleans, LA 70118
United States
561-870-5941 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.danieljdamico.com

Walter E. Block

Loyola University New Orleans - Joseph A. Butt, S.J. College of Business ( email )

6363 St. Charles Avenue
Box 15, Miller 321
New Orleans, LA 70118
United States
(504) 864-7944 (Phone)
(504) 864-7970 (Fax)

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