Blog #5

It is an interesting theory to hold your morals above the law without exception. One must think through this, however. Laws are (typically) created with the best intent for the governed. There are exceptions, in which, the governing body makes a mistake. It is in these rare occurrences, that one may find themselves having to decide between doing the right thing and doing the legal thing. According to Locke, a man whose theories our own constitution have taken after, the governing body is given its power by the people. When the people do not believe that a law is just, then the law is not just, regardless of the governing body that says that it is. In Antigone, many of the people believed that Antigone's brother deserved a funeral and felt it unfair that he could not receive what he was entitled to. This belief, held by the people, made the law passed by Creon null and void. Creon had received his power directly from the people and when they did not believe in the law that he had passed, that power was taken back. This extends in the opposite direction as well. If one is forced to choose between law and morality. The only thing that must be accounted for, is the general will of the people. If a majority of other people agree with your viewpoint, then the law passed by the government is null and void. If the majority of people do not agree, then the law holds steady and you should abide by that law for the general good of the people.