2006-10-16 02:19:18 · 24 answers · asked by Keri T 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Because obeying the law is for the common good. if you break the law, you disrupt societal norms, and should be held accountable for your actions. The whole world isn't about 'you.' If you don't like a law, work to have it changed or removed through the democratic process, or move to an area that does not apply the law.
2006-10-16 02:25:17 · answer #1 · answered by jh 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not just 'some' people, but most people obey the law. The reason they do so is because they fear the consequences of disobeying the law. In other words, they have been conditioned from early childhood to respect, uphold and obey the laws of the land, even those they do not like or agree with.
Fear is the operative word. Fear of being fined, fear of being sent to prison and above all, fear of what the neighbours will think when six fuzz waggons arrive outside your house at 3am.
In UK, all laws are passed in the House of Commons as Bills. Following due process and debate they become law. Always remember, that in a democracy, not only do the people get the government they deserve, they also get the one they choose. So, if you dislike a new law and you voted for 'them', you'll know who to blame!!
2006-10-16 12:33:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In order for laws to work in any modern society, it is necessary to be able to enforce those laws. There is an overlap with law and morality, and therefore, people who do not obey the more serious laws of say murder, burglary, rape etc. are seen as 'deviant' by society, as their conduct is classed as immoral, and therefore it is far more workable having a law that 'a minority' are likely to commit. However, speeding is illegal but it is not classed as immoral by most in today's society, so many people break the law everyday by speeding but don't class their conduct as truly immoral as say compared to a more serious offender. Basically, the more serious offences are perceived as immoral by the majority, and that's why people don't commit that type of conduct. Others may have no sense of moral value, and will do what they want- and these are the 'deviants' in society. Basically in order for certain laws to work, they rely on a sort of moral consensus within society.
There is a lot of debate on this area, try looking at the Hart-Devlin debate on law and morality- its quite interesting!
2006-10-20 01:02:09 · answer #3 · answered by booboo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's simple...they fear the consequences. Everyone at least does a little speeding or littering and such as that but even then chills go down their spine when the red and blue lights begin to flash. Lawbreakers fear the consequences too but believe they are too smart to get caught or they are deranged and have no control of themselves. Some...movie stars, politicians, pro athletes and the like break laws because they don't think anyone will do anything to them. They feel they are above the law because they are filled with self importance and go in to shock when they discover otherwise. If there were no law against it I would run naked outdoors every time it rained, that sense of freedom and oneness with nature is appealing to me. Currently the law keeps me from doing that. It wouldn't be worth the hassle, the fine, the public embarrassment of being labeled some sort of pervert and so on.
2006-10-16 09:34:40 · answer #4 · answered by Robert P 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the law, of course.
Some laws are simply arbitrary - speed limits, parking laws, no dogs without leashes, no smoking etc - and are not based on morality or sin and have no victims.
Other laws are not arbitrary, but immutable - theft, murder, assault, etc. These ones, when not obeyed, indicate a moral failing. These crimes have victims. These are the laws I try to scrupulously observe, even when I can 'get away' with it (yeah, like God won't know!).
I take some of these latter laws one step further. If a cashier gives me incorrect change in my favor, I immediately return it. I had a lawn service forget to bill me for the entire summer - so I hounded him until he sent me a bill - he was actually shocked at my actions, which saddened me. Legally these are not 'theft', but with God, they are.
2006-10-16 09:57:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
you should be asking why do MOST people obey the law because we don't want anarchy we want stability less fear from crime being beat up robbed mugged and some redress from those who don't follow the rules which are there for our protection not just for the criminals we might not always agree but most of the time it works
2006-10-19 14:54:12 · answer #6 · answered by bobonumpty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because we are all different. We all have different values. Some of those fall in with the law and some don't. Have a look at http://law.hammocksurvivalguide.com/
There's a lot of interesting articles on law there.
2006-10-18 13:47:55 · answer #7 · answered by Roger B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suspect that the vast majority of people obey the law. And laws ensure that we don't descend into a lawless anarchical society.
2006-10-16 09:36:41 · answer #8 · answered by mike-from-spain 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
all should obey the law look what the frickin world is coming to. it's terrible why don't some people obey the law?
2006-10-16 09:22:07 · answer #9 · answered by sweetme 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
some people obey the law because they want order in their lives not chaos.
2006-10-16 09:36:58 · answer #10 · answered by maslow5 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋