- According to MLK, how can we tell the difference between just and unjust laws? Understanding this questions is the most important part of this module, and I will ask it again during our second exam.
According to MLK, an unjust law is one that is out of step with the rest of society’s moral rules or practices. An unjust law is one that the majority imposes on the minority despite the fact that the majority is not required to respect it. In other terms, it is an unjust law that does not apply equally to everyone. A just law is one that respects human rights, adheres to the appropriate restrictions, and follows the rules.
- In your view, is this an important distinction (between just and unjust laws), do you think it makes a difference in the way someone (as an individual, or our society as a whole) lives their lives? Can it affect our politics?
Just and unjust laws, in my opinion, make a difference because they influence how people live their lives in professional settings, at home, legally, and so on. This is a significant distinction between right and wrong because it has political implications; it is the reason why it is illegal to enable young persons under the age of 18 to work for more than 8 hours every day, both men and women have the right to vote, and all individuals have the opportunity to go to school and receive an education.
3. Based on our discussion of Question 1, give an example each, of an unjust and just law, in the US today. Explain what makes it unjust or just (using MLK’s definition of those two types of laws).
One example of an unjust law is private probation abuses, As the legal system becomes more privatized, private probation corporations have emerged as one of the most egregious violators of constitutional rights. Counties are throwing off public probation officials designed to facilitate private firms to profit off of the public.
An example of a just law is in the 2nd amendment the right to bear arms. Therefore there are certain states where individuals are not allowed to own guns which are, California, Florida, Illinois, Texas, South Carolina, and New York.
