1. According to MLK, how can we tell the difference between just and unjust laws?  

MLK defined the difference in why what he has done is justified “One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.”. If the laws in place are not morally and ethically right, or good then there is no means of following them. 

2. 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?

It is a very important distinction and it is the most important statement he has made. Though it brings attention to the recall of laws put in place during that time its an evermore grandiose statement of how people should always question their government and the laws in place. Those at power are not always looking to protect us but themselves. It must certainly affect our politics because life is ours to live and not be dictated.

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).

Unjust Law- Making it unconstitutional to have abortions. Overturning Roe vs Wade is a direct violation of attempting to control women’s bodies, women’s lives, and an invasion of privacy. What makes this recent overturning so interesting is that I recall being in high school and learning about the importance of roe v wade and why it was determined constitutional to have the right to an abortion. Lucky I am to live in a state where it is not banned, but as MLK said “injustice somewhere is a threat to justice everywhere”.

Just Law- The Civil Rights Act : A civil rights and labor law in the United States that outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. This grants people of different race, color, religion, sex and national origin the right to be heard, respected, and seen.

1. 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, the way we can tell the difference between just and unjust laws is based on the law. He explains in his letter if the law uplifts human personality and basically make you feel good about yourself. With unjust laws is degrades you and causes a person to feel either superior or inferior

1. 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?

I do believe this is a good way to distinguish just and unjust laws. When it comes to the term just it means to me something fair and when you are treated fairly it builds you up and make you feel good about yourself. Something unjust I see it as unfair which means someone is treating you or being treated better than you which degrades you. i do believe it would make a difference in the way a person lives their life because as a society we would want to create laws that uplifts people and create fairness. However, it can affect our politics. When it comes to politics we have to understand politics are usually based around ideologies, in which everyone does not hold the same ideas. So how can we create just laws for everyone? Something i might consider to be just the next person might consider it to be unjust.

1. 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).

Freedom of religion is a just law. Everyone should be able to practice whatever religion makes them feel happy to practice. Not everyone believes in the same things. One law i believe is unjust is abolishment of abortions. I feel that no one should be able to dictate what a person does with their body. A women might have tons of reasons why she would like to terminate a pregnancy.

1. 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.

We can recognize the difference between just and unjust laws, according to MLK, because just laws are man-made laws that are fair to everyone and encourage harmony, peace, and the proper activities. Unjust laws are human laws that violate God’s rule, degrade mankind, and remove human moral responsibility. According to MLK, we can distinguish between fair and unjust laws because just laws elevate human personality, whereas unjust laws are human laws that are not established in eternal or natural law.

2. 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?

This is an essential distinction in my opinion because individuals are usually affected by what the majority supports, which means giving significance to. It has an impact on how people conduct their lives as a result of their surroundings. For example, because New York City is controlled by liberals, many decisions will be based on liberal acts and views.

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).

Jim Crow laws were an example of an unjust law. It encouraged segregation and was therefore not good to humanity, but rather negative because it created a lot of enmity. Jim Crow laws were a set of state and local rules that made racial segregation legal. The laws were intended to marginalize African Americans by denying them the opportunity to vote, hold jobs, acquire an education, or other possibilities for roughly 100 years, from the post-Civil War era until 1968. Those who attempted to disobey Jim Crow laws were frequently arrested, fined, imprisoned, beaten, and killed. Jim Crow laws were an example of an unjust law. It encouraged segregation and was therefore not good to humanity, but rather negative because it created a lot of enmity.

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 18^th 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.  

1. 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, a just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. For example, any law that value human is a just law. Because in the bible everybody is equal, no one should be treated as less than another. A just law is any law that gives the same benefits or treatments to white and black. A law that gives the same rights to white and negros is just, an anti-racism law is just. While an unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with moral law. MLK said St. Augustine said: “An unjust law is no law at all”. Per MLK It is a law that destroys the personality of the negros, a law that rank the negros inferior to the white people. A law that promotes racism law, class differentiation among white and black people, is unjust.

2. 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?

I think the distinction of just and unjust laws is important and it makes a difference in the way someone lives their lives. Since unjust laws destroys personality of negros comparing to white. Unjust laws gives better opportunities to white people than to black ones. As MLK said, unjust laws distort the soul and damages the personality. Someone that is victim of degradation can be traumatized all his life because that person will think that he is inferior to others. Unjust laws affect a nation socially, economically and politically. The class the benefit the unfair system thinks that they are above the class that is victim of it.

As a result, the unjust laws influence a population politically. Because it gives to white people more opportunities than the black in term of voting and run for elections. In MLK time only the white class could vote and occupy high ranking positions such in the Executive, Congress and even the Legislative. For example, laws that are voted and passed by congressmen that are elected are in their interests. They are the one deciding of the future of this country. Therefore, they can decide who is having access to better schools, public places and amusements. When a negro is accused for a crime and will be judged by a racist and white, this negro has more chance of being convicted before even found guilty.

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).

Example of unjust law: To me an example of unjust law is the bus lane law. They painted in red a lane called bus lane on the road. If you drive, park, or stand in a bus lane during hours of operation you face fines starting at $50. I think this law and the fines that accompany it are unjust because it give more advantages to people taking the bus than people driving their own vehicle. Now people who are driving their own vehicle are stuck in the traffic more because they have only one lane to travel while there are more vehicles during the days than buses on the road. It is a kind of discrimination to vehicle owners.

Example of just law: The law to end End Human Trafficking in Government Contracts Act of 2022. The bill requires, upon receipt of an office of inspector general report substantiating an allegation that the recipient of a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement engaged in human trafficking, that the agency refer the matter to the agency suspension and debarment office. This law is just because it is a moral cause. It is against human degradation. Human trafficking is amoral and crime.

1.According to MLK, how can we tell the difference between just and unjust laws? Understanding this question is the most important part of this module, and I will ask it again during our second exam. 

According to Martin Luther King Jr. a just law is a policy created by man which aligns with both morality and the law of God. When it comes to unjust laws, they are not in accord with moral law. He then equates it to religious comparing it to St. Thomas Aquinas. King states that an unjust law is a human law, which is what society tells you to do and not do. This law doesn’t take natural law or eternal law into account. Natural law is the eternal law of God, a plan unknowable to humans but something that they’re born with. Any law that enriches the lives of human beings is a just law. A law that demeans and damages the lives of others is considered unjust. Segregation degrades human personality so it couldn’t be in harmony with natural law. It causes the white community to feel superior over the black community, and the black community to feel inferior.  

King then goes on to say that segregation can be explained in terms of the Jewish Philosopher Martin Buber. In Buber’s “I-it” relationship it deals with a subject and an object when two people are separate and unequal. In an “I-thou” relationship it is in relation to two subjects where the humans are aware of their unity and instead there is a connection opposed to a separation. King is saying here that segregation falls under an “I-it” relationship, so it is politically, economically, and sociologically flawed, as well as immoral.  

2.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? 

I believe Martin Luther King’s description of just and unjust laws is important because it describes concisely what each type of law represents. An unjust law is something that degrades a group of people and is therefore immoral. A just law is something that uplifts a group of people without claiming superiority over another group, making it align with natural law and morality. These laws can have an impact on how society and individual people live their lives. This is because when unjust laws are implemented it benefits the lives of the seemingly superior majority group while humiliating and demeaning the lives of the minority group while making them feel inferior. Knowing the difference between the two laws can help us prevent creating laws that discriminate against groups of people and allows us to develop laws meant to protect and uplift each citizen equally. This can affect politics because we will vote for candidates who promise to implement just laws that improve the lives of citizens and society. We will also avoid electing candidates who don’t have our best interests in mind, such as those who promise to establish laws that strip away the rights of individual citizens.  

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). 

An example of an unjust law in the United States today is part of the Fair Chance Act where employers can ask you to disclose if you have any criminal convictions. You are required to reveal any felony or misdemeanor convictions you have regardless of how long you received them. They also can demand you complete a background check and if you decline, they can refuse to hire you. I believe that finding a job after being released from prison is a critical stage in creating a new life. If a person is unemployed, they have a much higher risk of committing another crime and ending up back in jail. This is an unjust law according to King because it degrades an entire group of people. It paints a picture of those who haven’t committed a crime being superior while those who have are considered inferior. Due to this law degrading human personality it isn’t in accordance with the natural law of God, which is supposed to treat people with dignity and respect. It is therefore an immoral and unjust law.  

An example of a just law in America is the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits the discrimination of people based on their race, color, religion, or nation of origin. This also prevents discrimination in terms of race and sex when it comes to hiring, firing, and promoting someone in the workplace. According to King, this law is considered just because race, gender, nationality, and religion are all areas in which someone could discriminate and treat someone unequally, but instead choose to protect them. In the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it states that everyone should be given equal opportunity regardless of their background. They aren’t uplifting a majority by degrading a minority group, giving everyone a chance at the same success and opportunities as the other. This law is in harmony with the natural law and morality and therefore is a just law. 

1. MLK believed that just laws were ones that fell in line with God’s law, or the moral law. Of course, this reflects a Christian worldview that not everyone shares, but what he meant was laws that “uplift human personality.” Laws that do not negatively affect any innocent person or group, or favor one over another, and that protect society. He believed that an unjust law is one that “degrades human personality.” It does the opposite of a just law, negatively affecting or harming innocents, and favoring one group or person over the other.

2. I believe that this distinction is important. It gives citizens rubric to use when reflecting on their countries laws, and whether or not they believe the government is just in its decisions. It keeps an important fact, that government officials are imperfect and fallible, in mind. It can effect how someone votes, but can also effect which laws they choose to follow, and how they use that to express their discontent with those laws to the government. Mass disobedience towards unjust laws can, in my opinion, affect change in policy, as it can cause politicians to reconsider.

3. A example of just laws would be those preventing and outlawing assault. Keeping citizens safe is the duty of the government and “uplifts human personality.” It helps innocent people and only negatively affects perpetrators. The fact that certain assault crimes are more punishable, such as child assault and sexual assault, is also just.

An example of an unjust laws are those that jail citizens for not being able to pay debts. In theory, those who cannot pay debts are supposed to be charge with some other way of paying off, such as community service. Jailing unjustly punishes them simply for not being financially stable enough to pay their debt. It “degrades human personality,” treating people cruelly and unfairly.

1. According to MLK we can tell the difference between just and unjust laws because just laws uplift human personality and unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law.
2. I do not think this is a valid or important distinction between just and unjust laws. I say that because sometimes how humans behave naturally is not the best for society. So laws are needed to correct these natural laws humans would live by for the better good of everybody. I do think it makes a difference in the way someone or our society lives. It affects them because most people do not want to stand out so they will follow laws whether they are just or unjust. It differently can affect our politics because politicians can manipulate the citizens of the society to learn towards certain ideologies which in return help shape how certain laws are viewed.
3. An unjust law using MLK’s definition would be the ability to by and or produce military grade firearms. It is clear that most Americans are against it and it causes great harm to our society. A just law would be the acceptance of gay marriage in America. This is just because it uplifts the people who it directly affects but also uplifts the people around those individuals. It has a trickle affect that makes everyone’s life easier and uplifting.

1. According to MLK, how can we tell the difference between just and unjust laws? 

Martin L King gives us his meaning and examples between just and unjust laws. He says that “One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. His two definitions are “A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law.”

2. 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? In my view, I do believe that there is an important distinction between both laws and that it does make a difference in the way someone lives their lives. The letter mentions how Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. The example the letter gives is that All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority.

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). 

An example of unjust would be if someone gets treated better than the other due to there gender or race which continues to happen in the US today. Since it is degrading to other humans and unfair towards them. An example for just would be if everyone was treated the same no matter the gender or race for example salary everyone gets paid the same and its not men being paid more.