Cecily Zamora
Breaking the law is often considered socially unacceptable, but there are times when people break the law and are not considered social outcasts. For example, a TV series on the A&E network followed a chemistry teacher who, after finding out he was dying of cancer, started making and selling drugs, committing murders, and generally violating many societal norms, laws, and moral codes. Despite his actions, the character was not portrayed as a social outcast. The phrase 'breaking bad' is often used to describe this kind of situation.
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What You'll Learn
Breaking the law to save a life
Breaking the law is generally seen as socially unacceptable, but there are some circumstances in which it may be considered acceptable. For example, if a law is unjust, or if breaking the law is done with good intentions and for the safety of others.
However, some people believe that breaking the law should never be acceptable, and that it is always unjust. This view is supported by the writings of Socrates and Antigone.
In popular culture, the idea of breaking the law to save a life has been explored in the TV series *Breaking Bad*, in which a chemistry teacher starts selling drugs and committing murders after finding out he is dying of cancer.
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Breaking the law to fight an unjust government
Breaking the law is a serious matter, and it can be socially unacceptable, especially when it goes against societal norms, moral codes, and ethical values. However, there are times when breaking the law may be deemed necessary, particularly when fighting an unjust government.
The concept of civil disobedience, as advocated by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., recognises that there are instances when individuals may need to actively refuse to obey certain laws, demands, and commands of a government they deem unjust. This form of non-violent resistance can be a powerful tool for social change, as it challenges the authority of an oppressive regime and seeks to arouse the conscience of the community.
In such cases, breaking the law becomes a means to an end, with the ultimate goal of achieving a more just and equitable society. It is a delicate balance, as those engaging in civil disobedience must be prepared to accept the consequences of their actions, including potential penalties and imprisonment.
The line between acceptable and unacceptable law-breaking can be blurry, and it often depends on the specific context and the values held by a particular society. What may be considered justifiable resistance in one context could be viewed as unacceptable rebellion in another.
Ultimately, the decision to break the law, even in the name of fighting an unjust government, is a weighty one that requires careful consideration of the potential risks and consequences. It is a complex ethical dilemma that has sparked debate and discussion throughout history.
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Breaking the law for good intentions
Similarly, engaging in activist work to further social justice or rights for marginalised groups, harbouring an innocent fugitive from a corrupt regime, or lying under oath to protect someone who is being framed could be considered breaking the law for good intentions.
However, it's important to consider the potential consequences of such actions. Even well-intentioned laws, rules, or policies can sometimes have unintended negative consequences. For example, a rule meant to protect students from physical or sexual abuse may lead to teachers being unable to touch students at all, even in non-abusive ways. Therefore, while breaking the law for good intentions may be understandable in certain situations, it's crucial to carefully consider the potential outcomes to avoid causing unintended harm.
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Breaking the law to uphold humanity
One notable example of this is the Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar, where the military government has been accused of violating international humanitarian law by committing mass killings, rape, and forced displacement of Rohingya ethnics. Despite widespread international criticism and growing amounts of evidence, the Myanmar government has consistently denied any wrongdoing and impeded investigations by the United Nations and independent human rights organizations. This case illustrates the challenges of enforcing international humanitarian law when there is a lack of government cooperation and external enforcement authority.
Similarly, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has also highlighted the difficulties of upholding international humanitarian law when political interests are at play. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has used its veto power to block UN resolutions that would hold Israel accountable for its actions towards Palestine. Many in the international community view these actions as crimes against humanity, yet the influence of political interests has hindered the ability to enforce international law.
In some cases, breaking the law to uphold humanity may be seen as a form of civil disobedience or protest. For example, individuals may engage in acts of non-violent resistance or civil disobedience to draw attention to human rights violations or social injustices. While these actions may technically break the law, they are often motivated by a desire to create positive social change and uphold the dignity and rights of marginalized or oppressed groups.
Ultimately, the decision to break the law, even for humanitarian purposes, is a complex and ethically fraught one. While there may be times when breaking the law is justified in the name of humanity, it is important to recognize the potential consequences and risks involved. Additionally, it is crucial to explore alternative avenues for change, such as lobbying, advocacy, and working within existing legal frameworks to promote and protect human rights.
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Breaking the law to avoid anarchy
However, it's important to note that breaking the law can have consequences, and doing so without violence is generally seen as a way to uphold just laws and avoid anarchy. As H.L. Mencken wrote, "the average man does not want to be free, but wants to be safe". This suggests that while there may be times when breaking the law is necessary, it should not be done lightly, as it could lead to bigger anarchy if people start to break just laws.
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Frequently asked questions
No, breaking the law is never socially acceptable. However, there may be circumstances where breaking the law is seen as morally justifiable, such as in cases of civil disobedience or protest against an unjust law.
Laws that protect the rights and safety of others, such as laws against murder, assault, theft, and fraud, are generally considered socially unacceptable to break.
The consequences can vary depending on the specific law broken and the social context, but they can include legal penalties, social ostracism, and damage to one's reputation and relationships.
