- 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 the martin Luther King Jr. the differences between just and unjust laws depends on whether a law is fair and respects human dignity. He explains that a just law is one that aligns with moral law and uplifts human personality, while an unjust law is one that goes against moral law and degrades people. King also says a law is unjust if it applies differently to different groups or if the people affected by the laws used to oppress black Americans were unjust because they were imposed by a majority that did not follow them equally and denied basic dignity to a minority. For King, legality alone does not make law right, justice is measured by fairness, equality and respect for human worth. In Birmingham, segregation laws were technically legal, but in argues they were still unjust because it was designed to keep black Americans excluded. Questioning whether these laws are fair, respectful for human dignity.
- 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 the distinction is extremely important because it shaped how individuals and society understands Obedience, protest and political responsibility. How individuals may understand certain roles in society and politics. King argues that people have moral duty to obey just law but also a moral responsibilities to resist unjust ones. This idea effects how people live their lives because it encourages them to think critically rather than blindly follow authority. On a political level this distinction helps explain why protest and civil disobedience can be necessary for progress. Without recognizing unjust laws, society might accept inequality as normal. Kings argument shows that justice, not order should be the goal of politics. He also argues politically, protest and disobedience is needed sometimes because its the only way towards change. Waiting for unjust laws to fix themselves only allows injustices to continue. Real progress often comes from challenging fair laws even when it is uncomfortable or controversial.
- 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).
Using kings definition, a just law is one that protects equal rights and applies fairly to everyone. Laws that prohibit discrimination and aim to protect human dignity. The kind of laws that’s uplift people and give them a fair voice in society. Which is the purpose of criminal justice described by king. An unjust law To Kings standard is a law that limits rights for certain groups or places unfair burdens on people and others affected. King explains laws become unjust when thy are forced unequally or when people are harmed by them while having no say so. King describes unjust laws as ones that do not pass his moral test. Even when laws are equal king argues they are unjust sometime they feel like that today of degrading human personality and reinforces inequality. Some unjust laws today would be discrimination, criminalization on homelessness, or mandatory minimum sentencing.
