Indeed, it was his job to help enforce it. So, what was he to do? It is very likely that other criminals were also placed in this tomb from time to time. As for Jesus, J of A had to place Jesus’ corpse in the tomb as he died just as the Sabbath was about to start. Being a strict observer and enforcer of the law, J of A could not attempt to bury Jesus when he died in the criminal’s graveyard as he would be violating the law of the Sabbath. Much is said of why J of A acted the way he did. If we were to take the claim that J of A was a closet Christian to be true, then that alone would ensure that he would have acted strictly within the law. Why? The bible itself makes this clear.
Imagine J of A, a highly respected member of the ruling council appearing to bend the application of the law to this same Jesus and the attraction he would be getting! Most unlikely! Indeed, if he were a closet Christian, J of A, like Peter, would not want to appear to be a Christian. As such, he would enforce the law - right down to the letter!