re: Whale Wars

its the fact that the steve irwin are doing stuff that does not cause injury and is considered non-violent by law... and that is why it is legal for them to do it... its the wording of the law that allows them to do what they do...

also the fact that the japs are trying to inflict physical harm and bodily injury to the steve irwin crew... its the same reason why riot poice can use tear case, taser guns, bean bags against the crowd, but obviously cant throw bricks or shot at the crowd

but im not sure about the specifics of the law, but like i said its the wording that allows the steve irwin to do what it does