They do not believe in a god who gives humans moral values, or in a life after death that will compensate for earthly suffering and reward the good, punish the bad. Humanists believe instead that we should make the best of the one life we have, and that moral values stem from human nature, experience and society. Humanists use their judgement based on careful consideration of particular situations and the effects of moral choices on the happiness or suffering of the people concerned, as well as the wider community. When deciding whether something is right or wrong, they weigh up the consequences of actions and the wishes of those involved. Personal freedom and choice are important values, because they are essential to personal happiness, as long as they do not interfere with anyone else's freedom, happiness, or security.
Most crimes do interfere with someone else's freedom, happiness or security.
Humanists, who do not believe in divine justice, have a particular interest in human justice. Communities can survive and work efficiently, increasing the welfare and happiness of their members, only if the people who live in them accept certain rules and duties. Laws exist for the common good, to ensure orderly and secure societies, and can be changed when our ideas about what constitutes order and security change. In a democratic nation we should obey the law. If we think a law is immoral, we should work to change it.