Is it justified to break the law if you do something you think is right?

It is now widely agreed that a person can be morally justified in breaking a law, even a valid law in a democracy whose institutions are by and large just. There is much less agreement, however, about the sorts of considerations that constitute good moral reasons in support of disobedience.

Is it ever morally acceptable to break the law?

Sometimes laws may feel unjust. There are also examples of the opposite, morally wrong actions that are legally permitted (lying to a friend, exploiting a loophole in the law to avoid paying taxes). Therefore, it can indeed be morally right, and even indicated, to break the law in certain situations.

On what grounds is it justifiable to break the law?

Thus, breaking the law becomes a necessity and can be justified because one cannot simply endure such unjust law. On the other hand, laws are destined to be perceived faulty by some, and to bring about a change or correct the incorrect, laws must be broken.

Is it unethical to break the law?

In short, if anybody ever has a right to break the law, this cannot be a legal right under the law. It has to be a moral right against the law. And this moral right is not an unlimited right to disobey any law which one regards as unjust.

Can breaking the law ever be justified example?

For example, if a person is severely injured and the closest hospital is across the border in another country, then illegally crossing the border should not be the main concern, saving the person’s life should and in such cases law breaking is most definitely justifiable.

Can breaking the law ever be justified examples?

Is anyone who breaks a law a criminal?

A criminal is someone who breaks the law. If you’re a murderer, thief, or tax cheat, you’re a criminal. But this word is a lot broader — Anyone who breaks the law is technically a criminal, even if the crime is just not paying a speeding ticket.

What are laws that are unjust?

An unjust law is a code that a majority inflicts on a minority that is not binding on itself. This is difference made legal. On the other hand a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow that it is willing to follow itself.

Is it ever acceptable to break the law?

No not really. It is almost never acceptable to break the law. Most of the laws are there to protect us and others so breaking it can cause pain for many different people. No matter the crime it is better to avoid it and learn a legal way to do it than risk getting hurt.

Is it ever right to break the law in Australia?

Many people assert that it is never right to break a law duly enacted by the government. From this principle it follows that anyone offering sanctuary to people who seek protection in Australia is acting wrongly. This blanket condemnation of law breaking, however, runs against our inherited moral tradition.

What is the main argument against breaking the law?

The main argument against breaking even an unjust law is that it will bring the law into disrepute. It certainly commits those who break unjust laws to respect law. But respect for law means more than obeying laws.

What does the man who breaks the law ask us?

The man who breaks the law on the ground that the law is immoral asks the rest of us, in effect, to trust him, or to trust those he trusts, in preference to the established conventions and authorities of our society.