In his Letter from Birmingham Jail, Martin Luther King Jr. explains that just laws are fair, align with moral principles, and uplift human dignity. Unjust laws, on the other hand, are unfair, degrade human personality, and create inequality. For King, obeying just laws shows respect for fairness, while resisting unjust laws is a moral duty to fight oppression.

This distinction is important because it guides individuals and societies to do what is right. Following just laws promotes harmony, while challenging unjust laws leads to progress, as seen in movements like the fight against segregation. Politically, this distinction pushes leaders to create laws that are fair and inclusive.

An example of an unjust law today is restrictive voter ID laws, which disproportionately prevent minorities and low-income groups from voting. These laws degrade dignity and create inequality, making them unjust. A just law is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures equal access and opportunities for people with disabilities, upholding fairness and human dignity.

Understanding this difference shapes how people live and how societies grow. It helps individuals decide when to follow or challenge laws and drives political change by demanding fairness. This distinction is essential for creating a just and equal society.