Look up the All Writs act. It's an open question as to whether it actually applies, and Apple has successfully fought off the FBI on this, but it hasn't gotten

Look up the All Writs act. It's an open question as to whether it actually applies, and Apple has successfully fought off the FBI on this, but it hasn't gotten a court decision that sets a solid precedent. Conceptually I agree with you, the law is not as clear.