Respected, maybe not, but if you mean obeyed, there are a number of reasons. Some of these reasons:Milu wrote:I can legally own and carry an auto, a balisong, a pistol. However, the question I would pose is:
should stupid laws be respected?
In today's world it is much easier to pass a stupid law than to repeal it. And who is qualified to judge which laws deserve to be respected (except me of course )?
Individuals avoid being arrested and prosecuted.
Companies that make knives avoid seizures and paying court imposed fines.
Individuals avoid possible interaction with armed law enforcement professionals and possible use of force by those professionals if the law enforcement officers feel that the individual is reaching for an illegal weapon.
And both police officers and judges will be happy to explain to you, as you are processed through the justice system, that they are quite qualified to tell you how you disobeyed the law and can even recite the penalties you will face. The judge will even feel qualified to deprive you of your liberty for a few days, months, or maybe years, depending upon which law you have decided is "stupid" and which should not apply to you.
As you are in a foreign nation, your laws are different than those imposed in the United States. I would suggest, though, that treating the laws of your nation in a cavalier fashion might not be the smartest move in the world if you wish to continue to enjoy your liberty.