Is It Wrong to Break a False Law?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of violating a false law, which is a law that is incorrectly communicated from one person to another. It is argued that it is morally and legally acceptable to violate a false law if it is contrary to the American Constitution. However, it is noted that laws can only be overturned in court if a case is brought by someone with a legitimate interest, such as being arrested for violating the law. It is also suggested that if one believes a law is unconstitutional, it is their civic duty to violate it.
  • #1
Rade
Is it morally and/or legally incorrect to violate a false law ? -- by false law I mean a law that is incorrectly communicated from <A> to <B>, such that <B> only has knowledge of law details from information passed on by <A>.
 
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  • #2
That is, after all, one of the tenets of the American Constitution.

(Of course, I have to interpret "wrong law" as "contrary to the constitution", which gives the concept a much more definite meanign as opposed to "one I happen to disagree with".)

Laws passed by the legislature can be overturned in court but a case has to be brought first- the court cannot just announce that a recently passed law is unconstitutional. And the case has to brought by someone with with a "legitimate interest"- someone who has been harmed by the law- that is, someone who has been arrested for violating that law. If you believe that a law is wrong (unconstitutional) and should be overturned (not just that you don't happen to like it) then you have a civic duty to violate that law.
 
  • #3


I am not qualified to make moral or legal judgments. However, from a scientific perspective, it is important to consider the intention and purpose behind a law. If a law is based on false or incorrect information, it may not serve its intended purpose and could potentially cause harm or injustice. In such cases, it may be necessary to question the validity of the law and work towards correcting it. However, it is also important to consider the consequences of breaking a law, even if it is based on false information. In many cases, there may be legal repercussions for violating a law, and it is important to consider these consequences before taking any action. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to make informed decisions based on their own moral and ethical beliefs.
 

1. What is a false law?

A false law is a law that has been created and enforced by a governing body, but is not based on any factual or moral basis. It may be based on outdated beliefs, personal biases, or simply a mistake in the legal system.

2. Is it ever justified to break a false law?

This is a complex ethical question and the answer may vary depending on individual beliefs. However, many argue that it is justifiable to break a false law if it goes against fundamental human rights or causes harm to individuals or society.

3. How can we determine if a law is false?

Determining if a law is false requires careful examination and analysis. This can involve studying the history and reasoning behind the law, as well as comparing it to current scientific and moral standards. Consulting with legal experts and considering the impact of the law on society can also help in determining its validity.

4. What are the consequences of breaking a false law?

The consequences of breaking a false law can vary depending on the specific law and jurisdiction. In some cases, there may be no consequences at all if the law is not enforced or if it is deemed invalid. However, there is always a risk of facing legal repercussions, so it is important to carefully consider the potential consequences before breaking any law.

5. Can false laws be changed or repealed?

Yes, false laws can be changed or repealed through various legal processes, such as lobbying, protests, and court challenges. It is important for individuals to actively advocate for the change of false laws in order to create a more just and fair legal system.

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