When is it justifiable to break the law for a cause?

Question

Do you think its ever allowed to break the law?
Why are the laws in place?

Answer 1

It is always completely justifiable to break unethical laws, as long as you recognize that you will still have to face the legal consequences of your actions. In other words, break the law, do the time, and profess your rights all the way.

Answer 2

Yes. However, it is important, in my opinion, to keep two things in mind: 1. Never harm another person during acts of "civil disobedience." 2. Be willing to accept the consequences of breaking the laws.
In the case of the Jim Crow Laws, it was important for people to make a stand. I'm sure that numerous people lost their lives making a stand against these laws, but eventually, the system cracked.

Rosa Parks, a woman in her 40's, tired from the day's work, sat in the back of the bus, as the law required. When a white man boarded the bus and could not find a seat, Ms. Parks was required by law, being a black woman, to give up her seat to this man.

She said, "No." She went peacefully with the officers who escorted her off the bus and to jail. This act spurred the Civil Rights movement that would finally get rid of the Jim Crow Laws.

Today, there are still many political prisoners all over the world.

Why are the laws in place? Well, the reason varies from country to country. In America, I think they are there to protect people. I think America has had its own Evolution, in that, where ignorance created some laws, education and enlightenment dispelled those laws.

Perhaps it's true that EVERYONE breaks the law at some point in their lives... however, if I am in a good mood at the same time there's a good song on the radio, and I get a little lead-footed... I willingly accept the consequences. Even if I'm ticketed for going 3 or 4 miles over (rarely the case). That's not civil disobedinece though... just carelessness on my part.

Answer 3

It is not justified to break the law just because you disagree with it. If you are in a Democratic country, there are ways to have unjust laws reviewed and change to be just and fair. In Canada, USA, Britain and many other democratic countries you can lobby, protest, etc to have unjust laws changed. There are some rules you must follow or you will ebd up on the wrong side of the law. If you think you are supporting a just cause, do your own research on the organizers, policies, reasons for the cause, actions they have taken - are taking - and will be taking. Make sure you do honest, open minded, unbiased research. Do not take their answers as being 100% truthful. Find the facts out for yourself. Read the pro's and con's on the cause. Find out how it originated and is it still on the same track as it was when it started. Remember, do your own research, get your own facts from people who are not connected with the cause; and MOST of ALL MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND - DO NOT LET SOME ELSE DO IT FOR YOU. Good Luck.

Answer 4

Like everyting else in this life, it depends on the situation.

If you're not sure, don't do it.

If you have no choice, you may have to.

If someone has a pistol pointed at the head of a child, yours or not, you can act to save the life of that child by committing what would otherwise be classified as a premeditated murder and shoot the would-be shooter. At the same time, the reason most people become caught in the gnashing teeth of the law is because of porportional response.

If you're talking about a non-violent crime, it still depends on circumstance. You find a bag of money in front of your house - you are required by law to turn it in, and failure to do so can see you in the big house for a couple of years.

Answer 5

This question is very hard to answer ,but in a case of life and death law abiding people will break the law

Answer 6

Suppose a friend of your was injured so you speed to the hospital to save their life. You violated the law, but given the circumstances it might be allowed. Laws are in place so that people can officially know if an action is legal or otherwise, and so that we have guidelines as to how to apply them, and what punishments are appropriate.

Answer 7

there is what is called the necessity defense. for example you may use deadly force in self defense or trespass to avoid a greater danger [ fire, flood, or attacker]. this can get fuzzy at times however. do you steal from a walmart that is being damaged by a storm to get batteries? food? a new TV? other examples of possible lawbreaking might be as part of a mass protest [ the freedom riders] or marching without a permit to protest something. in each case you pays your money and you takes your chances

Answer 8

i believe there is never justification for law-breaking. if a law seems inappropriate or outdated to you, you have recourse in your local, state, and federal legislators. it may take some effort, but in the long run, its better than going to jail or otherwise running afoul of the law. laws are a check on human nature and a sort of guarantee against cheating. we will all at least try to get away with anything we feel we can get away with and laws were and are established with this in mind.

Answer 9

up to the individual, get others to rally to your cause, I think you should be prepared to pay the consequences. Laws are in place generally to maintain order in society, to promote the general good. Sometimes they are in place to favor certain individuals or groups. Don't start the revolution without me!

Answer 10

Rules are there to be broken!

But seriously though, of course it is. What if tomorrow morning Mr Blair decided that Britain would cease to be a democracy and from now on, become under Sharia-Law? Would you comply with that?