This is a book about the complex relationship between fear, danger, and the law. Cass Sunstein looks afresh at the precautionary principle, and argues that in its strongest forms the precautionary principle is both incoherent and potentially paralysing, as risks exist on all sides of social situations, and that there is no 'general' precautionary principle as such. This is a very important insight for the contemporary world, and The Laws of Fear represents a major statement from one the most influential political and legal theorists writing today.