The basic laws under which most societies live are more basic than something dictated by an organized religion. More like religions organized and 'set in stone' these behaviors. If one looks at a more diverse sample of religion than just the predominant ones, certain things are prohibited in almost all of them. 

As far as improving the society you live in, it's like tilting at windmills until humans decide to start thinking with their brains instead or reacting emotionally. Just imagine what could be accomplished if all the energy expended on crime and violence were applied to creating instead of destroying. And that applies to everyone from the local hoodlum to nations. 

Remembering it's John Lennon's birthday, it's a day for reflection about how individuals can grow and what this planet could be.