In a general sense, we expect people to follow laws. Our society is based on the concept of law and order. We expect people to not kill others. We expect people to not steal. We expect people to obey orders given by the police. Religious leaders expect their congregants to follow religious laws. In our society, if people do what they want and don’t follow laws, chaos results.
Yet at times, we believe it is okay to break laws. For example, if a couple were racing to the hospital to give birth to a child, we would overlook the driver speeding or running a red light. If there is an injustice occurring, such as with the Jim Crow laws, some people would say civil disobedience is acceptable. However, in these instances, we expect those who break the law to accept the punishment that follows.
Since this question is posted under religion, I’ll share a religious example where not following laws is acceptable. In the Jewish religion, there are laws regarding the Sabbath. However, in order to save a life, it is acceptable and required to transgress the Sabbath laws. Thus, it would be okay to use the phone or drive a car if it would be necessary to save a life.
Therefore, while we generally expect and insist that people follow laws, there are instances where we consider it acceptable to break some laws.
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