Hi Folks,
I mean such as recent incident whereby I whizzed through a set of red traffic lights conveying an elderly gentleman to hospital, after a bump with a hit & run idiot.
The police caught up with me at A&E, and despite doing around 100mph down the local motorway, I was given "fair enough, mate"
So where do we stand ?
Is it reasonable to break a standing law if it transpires to be in the common good?
All thoughts & similar experiences thankfully recieved.
Bob.
2007-07-27 22:46:46 · 9 answers · asked by Bob the Boat 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Bob,
Technically and legally you have broken the law. But the officer/ judge takes a lenient view in case what you have done is for common good.
But there is nothing like legally breaking the law.
It is handled case by case basis by the judge/ police officer.
2007-07-27 22:56:13 · answer #1 · answered by Neo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Legal law breaking" - no. Breaking a law for the greater good - okay. As one person said - it's in the officer's discretion. If the cop DID give you a ticket - hopefully the Judge would have crumpled it up and thrown it in HIS face.
It would be a different story if you had had an accident while speeding to the hospital and hurt someone. Then you would have inevitably been charged - but your "mission" would have been taken into consideration by the Court. The Court would have, most likely, been much more lenient toward you.
It happens ALL the time...
2007-07-28 04:47:56 · answer #2 · answered by 34th B.G. - USAAF 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called discretion, It is still illegal and you can be fined. The court may well have found you guilty but given a light penalty under the circumstances or an absolute discharge. The policeman was either near the end of his shift or using a bit of nouse, I think and hope the latter. This is why speed cameras are so hated
2007-07-28 09:36:10 · answer #3 · answered by Scouse 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's an oxymoron. But if you break the law, and you're caught, it's up to the police whether they report you or not. And even if they do, it's up to the prosecutor whether you get tried or not. And even if he does, the judge can push it one way or the other. And even if it goes against you, he can give you a one penny fine, or something.
Plenty of oppotunities for discretion.
2007-07-28 04:56:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Preservation of life is always going to be considered as above the law. If it was not, no emergency vehicle would be allowed to exceed the speed limit.
2007-07-28 00:52:42 · answer #5 · answered by HUNNYMONSTA 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mitigating circumstances - taken into consideration.
You did break the law, but it was considered reasonable within the circumstances.
2007-07-28 02:44:27 · answer #6 · answered by . 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You still broke the Law , but it's good that the law saw your reasons for doing so , good on you
2007-07-28 11:15:54 · answer #7 · answered by Stephen A 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, the primary job of the police is to keep the peace...and they do have discretion on whether to arrest someone.
2007-07-27 23:01:19 · answer #8 · answered by A True Gentleman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same if you break a door down to rescue some one
whose life is in danger,like a fire cops could prosecute
but don't.
2007-07-27 22:59:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋