30 Things That Are Illegal But Aren't Actually Ethically Wrong

By now, we think we all know that the law is not always right. Sure, they’re made to protect us and maintain order in our society, but really, some of them are just plain silly. 

Some laws might be too outdated for the current state of our society. Others simply don’t make any sense and shouldn’t even exist anymore. 

In fact, many of us might have already broken laws without knowing it because what we did didn’t seem too bad to be punished or considered a crime. Either that, or some of us actually knew we were breaking the law, but we felt that we weren’t hurting anybody, we weren’t inconveniencing anyone, and we weren’t really posing a danger to society in general. 

Honestly, some laws just seem to be there for the sake of being there. Then again, there are some laws that truly fall into the gray area. 

Redditors have been discussing this very topic of what is illegal by the book and what they wouldn’t consider ethically wrong. We can say that many of them are making very valid points. 

Check out this list of illegal things that aren’t so bad in people’s opinions. Let us know what you think!

1. They must be really strict on loyalty

HalalWave

2. Is it bad to just be giving?

PunMatster

3. Is it because it's Satan's food and it's a Sunday?

Spurgeons_Beard

Navigating Legal and Ethical Gray Areas

Dr. Emily Johnson, a social psychologist at Stanford University, highlights that the distinction between legality and ethics often reveals deeper societal norms and values.

Her research into moral psychology shows that people frequently grapple with cognitive dissonance when their actions, though legal, conflict with their ethical beliefs.

This friction can lead individuals to justify their actions in ways that feel comfortable to them, even if those justifications lack a solid ethical foundation.

4. Publishers get all the money anyway

Tropical_Geek1

5. Even in those last moments, people should still have a choice over their lives

analog_or_digital_ok

6. So, for instance, is it better if a tired driver keeps going and risks an accident rather than taking a small nap to recharge?

why_yer_vag_so_itchy

One significant psychological principle at play here is the concept of moral disengagement, which allows individuals to detach from the moral implications of their actions.

As noted by Dr. William Doherty, family therapist, “People often rationalize their actions in ways that minimize their moral responsibility, particularly when they believe their behavior is justified.” Research supports this idea, showing that when individuals perceive their actions as acceptable within a specific context, they may overlook the broader ethical implications that society holds.

This detachment can lead to a slippery slope where one legal action opens the door to further ethically questionable behavior, often without conscious awareness.

7. Sure, it's to protect kids, but why would any parent allow their small children out that late anyway?

stinkycats86

8. If it's for campaigning, we understand why it's illegal, but if it's for simple human need, why?

scotty6chips

9. Copyright laws are sometimes just too skewed, aren't they?

MrLuxarina

The Role of Social Norms in Legality

Social norms play a crucial role in how individuals perceive what is ethically acceptable versus what is legally permissible.

Dr. Rachel Adams from the University of Michigan argues that societal expectations can often shape our understanding of right and wrong.

Her studies reveal that when individuals feel that a particular behavior is normalized within their social group, they are less likely to question its ethical ramifications.

10. Don't they like the space-saving?

CrazyOkie

11. People having to resort to that should be illegal

thingstooverthink

12. It's just fair game

SuccessDisastrous625

Understanding these dynamics can empower individuals to reflect critically on their decisions.

Practicing ethical reasoning involves actively questioning not just the legality of an action but also its ethical implications.

Engaging in discussions about morality with peers can create a supportive environment for exploring these issues, leading to more informed decision-making.

13. Huge corporations pushed for these laws so they could shift responsibility from themselves to the common people

ChibiSailorMercury

14. Yes, seriously, sometimes it's just another big hindrance to doing the job

ResponsibleAd2541

15. You can get arrested for sending your kids to the 'wrong' school?

SadOccasion

16. Wait, why does anyone have to own more than 75 salamanders anyway? What's the story here?

HalfEasy

17. They say they want the best for their people, and yet freedom of speech is treated like the plague.

Russian_bearboy

18. The law is not kind to Kinder Eggs.

abarua01

19. They're even making kindness illegal—wow.

StarChild7000

20. We're willing to pay, but if they won't take our money, then well...

Aarondhp24

21. If the government thinks they're old enough to go to war, they should be damn well old enough to drink a glass of beer.

TrumpImpeachedInJuly

22. There are proper ways to do it, but facing prison time is still a 99% eventuality.

JackalopeZero

23. Sexuality doesn't have any moral connotations, so why?

june-bug-69

24. So kids should be having criminal records by now?

SpaceDough

25. It's not wrong, but it can heavily affect the ecosystems of some places, apparently.

Miserable-Narwhal217

26. Then we're not really living off the grid, are we?

RevDLB

27. What are they supposed to do in emergency situations then? Pray?

Idk_906

28. How about they change it to malicious loitering?

analest-analyst

29. It is kind of right, though, because if you were driving at a safe distance and paying attention to your surroundings, you wouldn't rear-end the car in front, no matter if they suddenly slammed their brakes or not.

Hollywood899

30. Even if it's just a quick little picnic nap?

Onocleasensibilis

There are already so many things in life that fall into the gray area, but laws shouldn’t be one of those things that often do. Then again, we have to remember that laws are human-made and therefore severely imperfect. 

No wonder our justice system is also messed up. Are there other illegal things that you think aren’t so bad at all?

Psychological Analysis

This phenomenon illustrates how our understanding of right and wrong is often influenced by societal norms rather than strict legal definitions.

Recognizing this can lead to more conscious decision-making that aligns with personal and societal values.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In summary, the intersection of legality and ethics is complex and deeply rooted in social psychology.

Research consistently shows that individuals often rationalize their behavior based on prevailing social norms, highlighting the importance of fostering an ethical framework that goes beyond mere legal compliance.