In the United States there are two different forms of law – just and unjust. In mid-April of 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama for organizing a peaceful movement protesting segregation. A Circuit Judge tried to put a stop to any civil rights movements by releasing an injunction preventing any trespassing, parading, picketing, boycotting, or demonstrating. Dr. King decided to march and in return was arrested for his actions (Jeffrey, 2013). Just four days later, after Dr. King read an article published by a local clergyman criticizing him for breaking the law, he wrote the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” in response to the criticism. In this letter he explained the difference from just and unjust laws. In
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He states “Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.” (King, 1963, p. 7). There are also examples of Nazi laws within the letter. He explains how it was illegal to comfort or aid a Jew in Germany during Hitler’s reign but if he had lived there he would have helped his brothers even though it was illegal. He clarifies that laws like that are unjust for several reasons. The law degrades individuals creating a distinct difference with groups of individuals. He believed it was a moral responsibility of the people who lived in Nazi countries during WWII to disregard any unjust law (King, 1963). As humans, there are some natural rights. It’s those rights that give the moral obligation to disobey an unjust law. Individuals have rights that are extracted from the law of god or moral laws. It is the duty of individuals in democratic society to follow the laws of the land, if they are just. It’s an overstatement to think the government doesn’t create unjust laws. When faced with an unjust law, a decision has to be made by possibly resorting to deceptive practices. There must be the courage to disobey any unjust law and discharge it as a moral
He states “Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.” (King, 1963, p. 7). There are also examples of Nazi laws within the letter. He explains how it was illegal to comfort or aid a Jew in Germany during Hitler’s reign but if he had lived there he would have helped his brothers even though it was illegal. He clarifies that laws like that are unjust for several reasons. The law degrades individuals creating a distinct difference with groups of individuals. He believed it was a moral responsibility of the people who lived in Nazi countries during WWII to disregard any unjust law (King, 1963). As humans, there are some natural rights. It’s those rights that give the moral obligation to disobey an unjust law. Individuals have rights that are extracted from the law of god or moral laws. It is the duty of individuals in democratic society to follow the laws of the land, if they are just. It’s an overstatement to think the government doesn’t create unjust laws. When faced with an unjust law, a decision has to be made by possibly resorting to deceptive practices. There must be the courage to disobey any unjust law and discharge it as a moral