Although this paper was presented as a lecture in 1996, I have chosen to publish it in this volume in nearly its original manuscript form.1 It was never previously published or posted electronically, but the paper achieved a limited circulation in manuscript form via copy and fax machines during the primitive days of the Internet.

Scanning the headlines, one might notice that there is now a multitude of articles on the measles virus in most major media outlets. Outbreaks in places like New York City have led to what the AP calls “extraordinary police powers” to mandate vaccinations or quarantine those suspected of the disease.

Listen to the Audio Mises Wire version of this article.

Occupational licensing comes under the guise of protecting the consumer from poor quality service. Professions that require licensing in the US include; nursing, law, dentistry, teaching, accounting, psychology, engineering, and architecture — among many others. This is to ensure that the service received is of a satisfactory standard.