1.) According to Martin Luther King Jr, a “just” law is a manmade code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. Whilst a “unjust” law is a code that is out of harmony with moral law. In other words, we can tell the difference between the two because while a “just” law is rule of conduct developed by the government or a society in which it aims to protect and ensure crime does not go unpunished. An “unjust” crime is something that is morally wrong, something that you would feel is wrong to do but is not punishable by law.
2.) I strongly believe that the distinction between “just” and “unjust” laws plays a key role in the way we live our lives because it aids in our ability to know what is right and wrong. An individual may choose to be an upstanding citizen by obeying the laws and ensuring that they contribute to the peaceful flow of the society in which they live in. They know that by breaking “just” laws, they will be punished and have their honest reputation ruined by such. But on the other hand, they may not notice that they engage in “unjust” laws because these laws are not punishable by law. For example, they may cut across the line in front of someone without saying “excuse me.” It is morally wrong due to lack of manners, but it is not something to justify as criminal. On the other hand, there is politics which can be affected by such as well because it affects the type of individuals that we choose to have control over this country, who can make promises that will be favorable to certain people and make a good image.
3.) – “Unjust” Law Example: There is a man and a woman who have been hired at the same time at a local grocery store. Although their work ethic and attitude are equal in comparison, it becomes apparent that the manager likes the male counterpart over the female. He decides to raise his salary and give him a promotion, making him a manager now. The female decides to ask for the same and is refused due to favoritism in sex. This is an example of unjust laws because it is morally wrong to deny her the same treatment due preference of sex.
– “Just” Law: It is Jonathan’s 18th birthday next month and he wishes to participate in the upcoming elections for President. The legal age to vote in the United States is 18 years old but he is still currently 17 at the time of voting. He decides to cast his vote within the ballots despite the age requirement not being met. This example would be a “just” law because the law requires you to be a certain age but by Jonathan casting his vote for the ballot, he is breaking the law even if the action is not violent or harming anyone.
