What is necessary is lawful.

Explanation

Necessity justifies what would otherwise be unlawful — when no alternative exists, the law permits acts done out of genuine necessity that it would not otherwise sanction.

Where this applies

• A man breaks down his neighbor's fence to create a firebreak during a wildfire that threatens both homes — the destruction of the fence is lawful because it was necessary to save lives and property.
• A doctor performs an emergency surgery on an unconscious accident victim without consent — the procedure is lawful because it was necessary to save the patient's life.
• A ship captain jettisons cargo during a violent storm to keep the vessel from sinking — the destruction of goods is justified by the necessity of saving the crew.