"Just because something was legal didn't automatically make it right" reflects a core theme in Carl Hiaasen's book Hoot. It emphasizes that legality does not always equate to morality or ethical correctness, encouraging readers to question actions and laws that may be ethically questionable despite being officially permitted.
This idea invites readers to consider the importance of moral responsibility beyond legal boundaries. It suggests that doing what is right may require standing against laws or norms that are unjust, promoting critical thinking about ethics versus legality in various situations.