No one above the law

[vela]

The concept of "no one above the law" is frequently presented as one of the fundamental principles of civilized living.

I was wondering what are your thoughts about it. Do you subscribe to this principle? Are there valid exceptions? Do you care to share your reflections?

[eufrenio]

That´s a tough one! Well, for one thing, law-makers (legislators) are usually above the law. So is the government. Whoever holds public office is above the law, that is, the law for ordinary citizens.
In my country, Spain, the King is deemed "irresponsable": that is he can´t be judged. He can only be supervised by the government.
On the other hand, we all know that if you own a billion dollars, you are "de facto" above the law.

[vela]

eufrenio said:

That´s a tough one! Well, for one thing, law-makers (legislators) are usually above the law. So is the government. Whoever holds public office is above the law, that is, the law for ordinary citizens.
In my country, Spain, the King is deemed "irresponsable": that is he can´t be judged. He can only be supervised by the government.
On the other hand, we all know that if you own a billion dollars, you are "de facto" above the law.

Good observations. I agree that some law-makers impunely behave like they are above the law or usually have special immunity against the action of their own laws.

But let me pose to you a different scenario and question.

Imagine yourself driving in a lonely road at 3 AM. No other car or soul in sight. Do you switch the turning lights before veering off the road just because the driving rules book says you should? or do you wait (in this same instance) until the traffic light turns green to cross the intersection?

[eufrenio]

Imagine yourself driving in a lonely road at 3 AM. No other car or soul in sight. Do you switch the turning lights before veering off the road just because the driving rules book says you should?

I hardly ever switch the turning lights (Spanish rules) !

or do you wait (in this same instance) until the traffic light turns green to cross the intersection?

I usually do.
What is your point, Vela?

[vela]

eufrenio said:

I hardly ever switch the turning lights (Spanish rules) !

I usually do.
What is your point, Vela?

The point is to bring out two things: First, the distinction about the spirit of the law and the letter of the law.

Second, the reaction from an intelligent person when faced with a choice like that. You know what's the real intent of the law and you understand that there should be exceptions to the rule.

However, if you make an exception for yourself trusting in your good judgement, can you equally trust in all your fellow citizens to have the same good judgement as yourself? Or will this "exception making" become an excuse to stretch and abuse the original intent of the law?

Problem is that written rules don't contemplate all posibilities in every situation. If they did we would have millions and millions of pages filled with legal code. Who would know it all? Nobody, not even judges.