"They do not have the right to unilaterally decide to violate a lawful order because they think it is better for humanity at large." What you should say is, "

"They do not have the right to unilaterally decide to violate a lawful order because they think it is better for humanity at large." What you should say is, "They will be prosecuted if they unilaterally decide to violate a lawful order, even if they think it is better for humanity at large." And I would add, "And sometimes duty to humanity will compel them to accept that they will be prosecuted, and they have to unilaterally decide what is right." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasili_Arkhipov http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasili_Arkhipov