If you are starving as a result of a natural disaster, is looting permitted?
Mar 04, 2010
in
Disaster
A few days after the big quake in Chile, people are starting to loot. They have not eaten for days. Banks are closed and couldn’t operate even if they were open, so there is no money available to buy things. If people are starving, is it permitted to just take the things you need to survive? Does the law allow that, or are you just supposed to go off and die? Is there any provision in the law for allowing people to do what they must to survive a disaster, or are we required to meekly starve to death?
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4 comments
Larry on March 4, 2010 at 7:01 pm
I think the fuss is that people are stealing Flat screen TVs and the like. Not much would be said if people only took what was needed to sustain their lives.
Rave?now! on March 4, 2010 at 7:01 pm
the difference between morals and laws. It all depends on your own personal beliefs and morals. Me personally I would steal/loot. Legally it is not allowed though.
Mike on March 4, 2010 at 7:01 pm
If you are starving, you have natural law on you side. Natural law allows you to do whatever it takes to protect your life and survive. This doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t be tried in a court of law for breaking local laws.
Mathsorcerer on March 4, 2010 at 7:01 pm
Unfortunately, looting is still a crime even when a natural disaster happens and you are hungry. You may risk it if you so choose but you also risk being shot.
Too many people are totally unprepared for disasters.