The "law" is liken to religion ( I am inclined that is where it came from
.... ) ...likes to think people are as stupid as the religious and so they bring in these "laws" to protect themselves. I am of the opinion that it is more to do with litigation potential than anything else.

"The Universe is run by the complex interweaving of three elements: energy, matter, and enlightened self-interest." G'Kar-B5