I often hear the argument "Well, the law's the law. If you want to change the law, lobby to change it. But until then, you are obligated to obey it."
But often we don't have enough experience to judge whether a law is worth changing, until we actually break the law.
Even at it's best, the law is but a rough consensus about what other people will punish you for doing. That doesn't mean it is moral or just or rational.
For example, in some countries, other people will punish you for driving while female, or criticizing the government, or having gay sex.
In the U.S., we generally regard such laws themselves as immoral, deserving of disobedience.
But, for someone who is indoctrinated in such a culture, they may not realize that the alleged dire consequences of the banned behavior are a lie.
Until they try it for themselves.
Once people realize the justification for a law is based on prejudice, corruption, or power-madness, then a constituency for reforming or striking down the law can develop.
Thus, often the best way to improve the law is to break it.
Inspired by Moxie Marlinspike's essay, posted below.
But often we don't have enough experience to judge whether a law is worth changing, until we actually break the law.
Even at it's best, the law is but a rough consensus about what other people will punish you for doing. That doesn't mean it is moral or just or rational.
For example, in some countries, other people will punish you for driving while female, or criticizing the government, or having gay sex.
In the U.S., we generally regard such laws themselves as immoral, deserving of disobedience.
But, for someone who is indoctrinated in such a culture, they may not realize that the alleged dire consequences of the banned behavior are a lie.
Until they try it for themselves.
Once people realize the justification for a law is based on prejudice, corruption, or power-madness, then a constituency for reforming or striking down the law can develop.
Thus, often the best way to improve the law is to break it.
Inspired by Moxie Marlinspike's essay, posted below.