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James T. Kirk has never been the kind of Starfleet officer who hides behind rules when lives, beliefs, or his crew are in danger. Some of Star Trek's most famous stories are based on the conflict between his style of command and his conscience.
Fans don't just put up with Kirk's defiance; they cheer it on since it reveals his true nature during his darkest moments. And the following five examples, from his most famous act of rebellion to a modern take on the Prime Directive, show how Kirk defied authority and gained our respect.