A model-independent formulation of anyons as spinning particles is pre
sented. The general properties of the classical theory of (2+1)-dimens
ional relativistic fractional spin particles and some properties of th
eir quantum theory are investigated. The relationship between all the
known approaches to anyons as spinning particles is established. Some
widespread misleading notions on the general properties of (2+1)-dimen
sional anyons are removed.