Why People Obey or Do Not Obey the Law

Abstract

Underlying the myriad discussions and debates about the rule-of-law, and about law-abidingness, violating the law, law enforcement, law and order, unjust laws, legal obligations, etc., are certain assumptions about what is “the law” and whence it is derived. Addressing these issues at the outset seems not only appropriate, but important, in trying to understand why people obey the law or not. For purposes of this discussion, we will deal mainly with criminal law as the focus.