The following is an article by Michael Huemer…
No state has genuine authority. But most people think they do. Most think we’re obligated to obey even bad laws. When someone (other than ourselves) breaks the law, we think it appropriate for agents of the state to punish that person, even if we disagree with that particular law. I have heard that it is nearly impossible to get a jury to consider nullification of bad laws, because almost all jurors think they “have to” help enforce the law.
Why? The arguments for government authority are very weak (see here and here). I turn instead to psychological explanations, drawing on social psychology …
Pursuit of Percipience 