Breaking the law Quote by Mohamedou Ould Slahi
““So why was I so scared? Because crime is something relative; it’s something the government defines and re-defines whenever it pleases. The majority of people don’t know, really, where the line is that separates breaking the law from not breaking it. If you get arrested, the situation worsens, because most people trust the government to have a good reason for the arrest.””
About This Quote
Source Memoir: Guantanamo Diary, 2005
Crime is socially constructed; legal definitions shift with political power, creating uncertainty.
In simple terms: Laws change with those in power, making crime unclear.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and seek personal ethics.
Themes
justice
power
law
subjectivity
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political activism
- legal reform
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
legal relativism
government control
civil rights
ethical ambiguity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define right and wrong?
- What role should citizens play in shaping law?
A Different Perspective
Legal definitions can be manipulated for oppression.
