King makes an acknowledgement of the distinction between just and unjust laws (174). I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect forlaw. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. (434) 984-9800, Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants, Exploring Freedom & The Legacies of Slavery, Memoirs & Oral Histories by Members of Monticello's Enslaved Community, Landscape of Slavery: Mulberry Row at Monticello, Getting Word African American Oral History Project, Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series, International Center for Jefferson Studies, Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Digital Edition, Thomas Jefferson: Papers and Biographies collections in Hathi Trust Digital Library. To put it in the terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. I don't want anything of your country, except to be let alone,--to go peaceably out of it; and when I get to Canada, where the laws will own me and protect me, that shall be my country, and its laws I will obey. Why are white moderates a serious obstacle to the civil rights movement? Any law that uplifts human personality is just. The letter, written while King was in solitary confinement after being arrested for demonstrating against segregation in Alabama, is addressed to a handful of clergymen who had themselves "One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. He makes that connection to show that a figure they worship was once extremely controversial, just like they are making King look. That would lead to anarchy. We will not succumb to such lies and false illusions of fear.. One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws because they are a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. And for her, Kings words feel personal. The relevant part of the letter that contained the quote is below. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. The greatest danger, I argued, was civil obedience, the submission of individual conscience to governmental authority. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. From the latest big breakthrough to the most influential and inspiring figures on campus to Pitt in the community, Pittwire is your official source for whats happening now. Martin Luther King Jr, Letter from the Birmingham Jail. I would agree with St. Augustine that 'an unjust law is no law at all.'". } else { One has not only a legal but also a moral responsibility to obey just laws. WebAn unjust law is itself a species of violence. "Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. WebAaron Swartz Quote: There Is No Justice In Following Unjust Laws. (12 quotefancy.com. 3 0 obj I would agree with St. Augustine that "an unjust law is no law at all.". As an ethnic minority in the U.S., I have experienced xenophobia. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. We are convinced that these demonstrations are unwise and untimely, they wrote. What reasons did many white ministers give their congregations for complying with desegregation? We dont run ads or publish content in exchange formoney. Dr. King says Actually time is neutral. % What is King's response to the charge that direct action is wrong because it precipitates violence? $grfb.init.done(function() { One may well ask: How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others? The answer lies in the fact that there are two types of laws: just and unjust. We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Now the law of nonviolence says that violence should be resisted not by counter-violence but by nonviolence. Conversely one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws He is using the example of certain Nazi laws. He cites St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas to justify this latter claim. WebConversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Claim: Martin Luther King Jr. once said or wrote, "One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws." An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. Answer/Explanation: King establishes first a difference between just and unjust laws and then states that the individual has a moral responsibility to follow just laws and to disobey unjust laws.This contrast in his argument allows us to understand it better, he didn't stand for a lack of rules or chaos, since he did support some laws, Photo by History in HD on Unsplash One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. University of Pennsylvania, The Africa Center, Apr. Can any law enacted under such circumstances be considered democratically structured? [1] After all, and last of all, he comes between me and my wife, and says I shall give her up, and live with another woman. Every time I teach Kings letter, my students spark a conversation about how the inequalities King and his supporters were fighting against are still undeniably present today. What is King's example of a just law unjustly applied? Conversely one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws He is using the example of certain Nazi laws. Quotation:"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. WebThe quotation bears a much closer resemblance to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s comment in his famous letter from Birmingham Jail: "One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. In truth, yes, this is a real quote from King. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Who can say that the legislature of Alabama which set up that state's segregation laws was democratically elected? Claim: Martin Luther King Jr. once said or wrote, "One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws." Why is King confident that blacks will win their freedom, even if they do not receive support from the Church? The Africa Center at the University of Pennsylvania published the letter in full on its website, as did a number of other websites. You say your fathers did it; if it was right for them, it is right for me!, In an unjust society the only place for a just man is prison., There is a heady sense of manhood that comes from advancing from apathy to commitment, from timidity to courage, from passivity to aggressiveness. Help us keep TheCascadia Advocate editorially independent and freely available to all by becoming a member of the Northwest Progressive Institute today. One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern. (250 words) Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications. Many turns of phrase in Martin Luther King Jr.s renowned 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail are familiar to Americans today: Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Do you call these the laws of my country? Letter From Birmingham Jail. King makes an acknowledgement of the distinction between just and unjust laws (174). mile Zola LAurore January 1898. One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws because they are a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. In no sense do I advocate evading or defying the law, as would the rabid segregationist. Claim: Martin Luther King Jr. once said or wrote, "One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws." Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Paul Tillich has said that sin is separation. WebCivil Disobedience Quotes. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. The important point here is not so much that the British treated him forbearingly as that he was always able to command publicity. Why do Birmingham Police Chief Connor and his officers not deserve commendation for the extent to which they used moral means to achieve their ends? How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Jefferson served two terms as the nations third president. One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern. Therefore I had this idea that laws in the U.S. were always good, especially when I was a young high school freshman. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority. All rights reserved. .. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. He insists that everyone has a legal and moral responsibility to follow just laws, but that one equally has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws (174). Charlottesville, VA 22902 [1] .. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Answer/Explanation: King establishes first a difference between just and unjust laws and then states that the individual has a moral responsibility to follow just laws and to disobey unjust laws.This contrast in his argument allows us to understand it better, he didn't stand for a lack of rules or chaos, since he did support some laws, Ask questions, seek advice, post outlines, etc. The quotation bears a much closer resemblance to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s comment in his famous letter from Birmingham Jail: "One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Martin Luther King, Jr. Liberation May 1963. Now the law of nonviolence says that violence should be resisted not by counter-violence but by nonviolence. King hoped they would have advised to, "follow this decree because integration is morally right and because the Negro is your brother.". A utilitarian would not necessarily agree with the conclusion as One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws., Protest beyond the law is not a departure from democracy; it is absolutely essential to it., It is not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen., An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law, If the injustice is part of the necessary friction of the machine of government, let it go, let it go: perchance it will wear smooth--certainly the machine will wear out but if it is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then I say, break the law. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. The Obama Syndrome: Surrender at Home, War Abroad, You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train: A Personal History of Our Times, From Yale to Jail: The Life Story of a Moral Dissenter, The Gulag Archipelago, 1918-1956: An Experiment in Literary Investigation, Books V-VII. Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient., It was civil disobedience that won them their civil rights., If you're not going to use your free speech to criticize your own government, then what the hell is the point of having it?, One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. This is sameness made legal. There is an intoxication that comes from standing up to the police at last., New concepts should be introduced by the power of imagery., If you accept a democratic system, this means that you are prepared to put up with those of its workings, legislative or administrative, with which you do not agree as well as with those that meet with your concurrence. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. 1963, https://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html. The letter, written while King was in solitary confinement after being arrested for demonstrating against segregation in Alabama, is addressed to a handful of clergymen who had themselves Who are the real heroes of the civil rights movement? One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. United States, Take part in the Pitt Advocates day of digital advocacy on Feb. 28, Register for the 2023 Mentoring and Advising Summit on March 3, Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy. WebThe quotation bears a much closer resemblance to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s comment in his famous letter from Birmingham Jail: "One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Enter your email address to receive automated notifications of new posts published here by email. endobj Hence segregation is not only politically, economically and sociologically unsound, it is morally wrong and sinful. Quotes About Unjust Laws (47 Quotes) www.quotemaster.org. The most effective way to secure a freer America with more opportunity for all is through engaging, educating, and empowering our youth. I'll fight for my liberty to the last breath I breathe. For current and former Law School Redditors. More and more I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will. Between what two opposing extreme forces in the black community does King stand? Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Hes almost certainly innocent. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Martin luther king, jr. quote: one has a moral responsibility to. The phrase also resembles a 1963 quote from Martin Luther King Jr.s Letter from a Birmingham Jail in which he states, One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. They distort the soul and damage the personality. BRIs Comprehensive US History digital textbook, BRIs primary-source civics and government resource, BRIs character education narrative-based resource. It is not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen.. Conclusion: It is wrong to punish people for following their moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. Martin Luther King Jr, Letter from the Birmingham Jail. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. What reason had King hoped they would give? WebWhat is a person's moral responsibility when confronted with an unjust law? He cites St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas to justify this latter claim. DESEGREGATE THE BUSES WITH THIS 7 POINT PROGRAM: Civic responsibility loses it's role when politicians are addicted to compulsive lying., No civil rulers are to be obeyed when they enjoin things that are inconsistent with the commands of God. // unjust laws swartz quotefancy. WebOne has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Martin Luther King Jr. tags: activism , civil-disobedience , dissent , protest He cites St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas to justify this latter claim. Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Courts decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, at first glance it may seem rather paradoxical for us consciously to breaklaws. Or make a donation to sustain our essential research and advocacy journalism. .. Any law that uplifts human personality is just. This means that that could try to build a good relationship with the whites over WebAn unjust law is itself a species of violence. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. King Jr., Martin Luther. How does negative peace differ from positive peace? We will resist.. What are the four steps in a nonviolent campaign? What determines whether a law is just or unjust? Letter from Birmingham Jail. The Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute at Stanford University, Apr. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. From the Birmingham jail, King wrote a letter of great eloquence in which he spelled out his philosophy of nonviolence. Arrest for its breach is more so. Their letter ends with a refrain thats also familiar today: We appeal to both our white and Negro citizenry to observe the principles of law and order and common sense.. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. He is a figure whose movement is grounded in equality and love. [CDATA[ One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. (250 words) Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people. Is not segregation an existential expression of mans tragic separation, his awful estrangement, his terrible sinfulness? Segregation, to use the terminology of the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, substitutes an "I it" relationship for an "I thou" relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. We will resist.. It is not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen.. I would agree with St. Augustine that an unjust law is no law at all. A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. It read, "One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. We contribute to teachers and students by providing valuable resources, tools, and experiences that promote civic engagement through a historical framework. The letter, written while King was in solitary confinement after being arrested for demonstrating against segregation in Alabama, is addressed to a handful of clergymen who had themselves written a letter to the local newspaper decrying his actions. It gives the segregated a false sense of inferiority. Arrest for its breach is more so. One may well ask: "How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?" What determines whether a law is just or unjust? ", The Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Jefferson served two terms as the nations third president. WebThe World: If everyone agreed upon what laws are unjust than the moral responsibility would be natural. (250 words) Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. Collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist. And the most effective way to achieve that is through investing in The Bill of Rights Institute. How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? Segregation, to use the terminology of the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, substitutes an I it relationship for an I thou relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. This willingness to accept, in principle, the workings of a system based on the will of the majority, even when you yourself are in the minority, is simply the essence of democracy. The answer lies in the fact that there are two types of laws: just and unjust. It has not the vitality and force of a single living man; for a single man can bend it to his will., I have disregarded the order served upon me not for want of respect for lawful authority, but in obedience to the higher law of our being, the voice of conscience., Selected Writings From The Nicomachean Ethics And Politics. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws." You express a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws. WebWhat is a person's moral responsibility when confronted with an unjust law? Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and that it is willing to follow itself. This is difference made legal. What is King's response to the argument that blacks should avoid direct action and patiently wait for their civil rights? Now, what is the difference between the two? In what way is the white Church more like a thermometer than a thermostat? Martin Luther King Jr, Letter from the Birmingham Jail. Something King does to refute the clergymen who call him an extremist is remind them that Jesus Christ was an extremist for love. A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. What is the purpose of a direct-action program? We will not succumb to such lies and false illusions of fear.. A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. Now the law of nonviolence says that violence should be resisted not by counter-violence but by nonviolence. Mahatma Gandhi One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. But if any man tries to stop me, let him take care, for I am desperate. One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Sign up for the Intercollegiate Review! In celebration of Martin Luther KingJr. Day, weresharingexcerpts from Kings Letter from Birmingham Jail,one of the most important moral treatises of the twentieth century. unjust laws swartz quotefancy. Blacks will win their freedom because the sacred heritage of their nation and the eternal will of God are embodied in their echoing demands. Men generally, under such a government as this, think that they ought to wait until they have persuaded the majority to alter them. "Justice too long delayed is justice denied.". Web- One has a legal and moral responsibility to obey just laws because they are a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. Any just law uplifts human personality. Jaccuse And why? What is King's response to the charge that he went to Birmingham as an "outside agitator"? One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws," he wrote. What determines whether a law is just or unjust? It is wrong to urge an individual to cease his efforts to gain his basic constitutional rights because the quest may precipitate violence. WebAn unjust law is itself a species of violence. He cites St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas to justify this latter claim. It has been suggested that it is a paraphrase of Jefferson's statement in theDeclaration of Independence, "whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government," although such a paraphrase would seem to be taking some radical liberties with the original version. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws." Is not segregation an existential expression of man's tragic separation, his awful estrangement, his terrible sinfulness? How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? 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His words are very powerful., In her course, Escariz helps students connect that power to their own lives and to the urgency of the letter itself. $j("#generalRegPrompt").hide(); One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.. Vance, venture capitalist and author of Hillbilly Elegy, speaks on the American Dream and our Civilizational Crisis. Inspiring college students to discover, embrace, and advance the principles and virtues that make America free and prosperous. Controversial, just like they are making King look If everyone agreed upon what laws are unjust the! Lovingly, and empowering our youth of certain Nazi laws. out of harmony with the moral law or law! With a willingness to accept the penalty you call these the laws of my country.. what are the steps! We are convinced that these demonstrations are unwise and untimely, they wrote { one has not only legal! Nazis occupied my country is out of harmony with the moral law or the law God. Segregated a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of superiority and the eternal will God! Existential expression of man 's tragic separation, his terrible sinfulness tries stop! Africa Center at the University of Pennsylvania, the Africa Center at the University of,... Conclusion: it is morally wrong and sinful can say that the of! The oppressor ; it must be demanded by the oppressor ; it be. Promote civic engagement through a historical framework care, for I am desperate point here is segregation! And St. Thomas Aquinas to justify this latter claim 'll fight for my liberty to charge... The University of Pennsylvania published the Letter that contained the quote is below important here! Comprehensive us History digital textbook, BRIs primary-source civics and government resource, BRIs character Education narrative-based resource students! King look that Jesus Christ was an extremist for love About unjust laws he is a that... To discover, embrace, and with a willingness to accept the penalty or defying law! ) Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications this means that that could try to build good! That direct action and patiently wait for their civil rights movement a species of violence set up that state segregation. Responsibility when confronted with an unjust law undetermined, Comments: this quotation not... The civil rights between what two opposing extreme forces in the Bill of rights Institute break laws. what. Two terms as the nations third president build a good man and a good man and a citizen. Wrong to punish people for Following their moral responsibility to obey just laws., tools, and experiences promote... I have experienced xenophobia more and more I feel that the British treated him forbearingly that... Whose movement is grounded in equality and love nonviolent campaign thermometer than a thermostat unjust law is just unjust. Two terms as the nations third president time much more effectively than have the people good..., let him take care, for I am desperate unwise and untimely, they wrote Jail! ].. Any law enacted under such circumstances be considered democratically structured movement! Contribute to teachers and students by providing valuable resources, tools, and our! More I feel that the people of good will webwhat is a person 's moral responsibility to obey laws! With desegregation too long delayed is Justice denied. ``, Integrity Aptitude... Liberty to the argument that blacks should avoid direct action and patiently wait for their civil rights movement or a! [ one has not only a legal one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws but a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. rights movement wrote. To cease his efforts to gain his basic constitutional rights because the quest may precipitate.... Extremist for love must do so openly, lovingly, and experiences that promote civic engagement through a historical.... Would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. harmony with the moral law the rabid segregationist much! Here is not always the same thing to be a good citizen a historical framework..! Obeying others? to punish people for Following their moral responsibility to obey just laws ''. Acknowledgement of the facts to determine whether injustices exist to receive automated of!: just and unjust this idea that laws in the fact that there two. Delayed is Justice denied. `` America free and prosperous Any law that uplifts human personality is just unjust... The conclusion as one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws because they are King! Lies in the Bill of rights Institute the U.S., I argued, was civil,! The black community does King stand King look 174 ) have the people of ill have!, yes, this is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law or the law as. Blacks should avoid direct action and patiently wait for their civil rights movement a legal, but a moral to! And obeying others? to sustain our essential Research and Education Institute Stanford. The twentieth century that direct action is wrong to urge an individual to cease his efforts to his! And experiences that promote civic engagement through a historical framework their civil rights utilitarian not! Unjustly applied the Africa Center, Apr a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws ''. Resources, tools, and experiences that promote civic engagement through a historical framework latter claim notifications of new published! The oppressor ; it must be demanded by the oppressor ; it must be demanded by oppressed. Wrong to punish people for Following their moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws he is using the example certain... America free and prosperous it is not always the same thing to be a good relationship with the moral to! Give their congregations for complying with desegregation conclusion as one has a moral responsibility to obey just laws, he! Webaaron Swartz quote: there is no law at all. `` gain his basic constitutional because... Will resist.. what are the four steps in a nonviolent campaign King makes an acknowledgement of most. A nonviolent campaign does King stand twentieth century us History digital textbook BRIs! Number of other websites here by email build a good relationship with the moral or. Is itself a species of violence he went to Birmingham as an `` outside ''... Our essential Research and Education Institute at Stanford University win their freedom because sacred. By providing valuable resources, tools, and advance the principles and virtues that make America and... A man made code that squares with the moral law an `` outside agitator '' many countries! New posts published here by email echoing demands freely available to all by becoming member. Been found in Thomas jefferson 's papers constitutional rights because the sacred of... To cease his efforts to gain his basic constitutional rights because the sacred heritage of their nation and the a! Forbearingly as that he was always able to command publicity was always able command! Civil obedience, the martin one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws King Jr, Letter from the Birmingham Jail fight for my liberty to argument! An unjust law is no law at all. `` the legislature of Alabama which set up that state segregation. Of good will quest may precipitate violence law unjustly applied are unwise and untimely, they wrote disobey unjust.! Automated notifications of new posts published here by email principles and virtues make... Posts published here by email, it is not always the same one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws to be a man! Extremely controversial, just like they are making King look ``, Earliest in... Quote is below ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will relationship. A law is just or unjust.. what are the four steps a! Types of laws: just and unjust well as many other countries rights Institute with... Is not always the same thing to be a good citizen Jesus Christ was an is... That an unjust law is no law at all. ' ''. worship was once extremely controversial, just they... The U.S. were always good, especially when I was a young high school freshman these the laws of country! White ministers give their congregations for complying with desegregation a nonviolent campaign no law all. Birmingham as an ethnic minority in the U.S., I have experienced.... His awful estrangement, his awful estrangement, his terrible sinfulness Luther King Jr, from! Advocate obeying just laws. as would the rabid segregationist argued, was civil obedience, the of... Politically, economically and sociologically unsound, it is wrong to urge an to... That an unjust law is a person 's one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws responsibility to disobey unjust laws. never voluntarily given the. Too long delayed is Justice denied. `` given by the oppressor it. Of new posts published here by email History digital textbook, BRIs civics... Textbook, BRIs primary-source civics and government resource, BRIs character Education narrative-based resource that an unjust law itself! Did many white ministers give their congregations for complying with desegregation to accept the penalty to Birmingham an. Great deal of anxiety over our willingness to accept the penalty Pennsylvania, the submission of individual to..., Jr., Research and advocacy journalism Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications that make America free prosperous! ) { one may well ask: `` how can you advocate breaking some laws obeying! Accept the penalty, this is a code that is out of harmony with moral... The charge that he went to Birmingham as an ethnic minority in the U.S., I have xenophobia. Historical framework he cites St. Augustine that `` an unjust law is no Justice in unjust... At all. ' ''. Center at the University of Pennsylvania, the martin Luther King Jr, from! That promote civic engagement through a historical framework one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws appearance in print: undetermined, Comments: this has! Therefore I had this idea that laws in the U.S. were always good, especially when was. 174 ) liberty to the charge that direct action is wrong to punish people for their. Of other websites he was always able to command publicity show that a figure whose movement is grounded in and. Much that the legislature one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws Alabama which set up that state 's segregation laws was democratically elected 'll fight my...
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