- According to MLK JR., the difference between just and unjust laws lies in their alignment with moral law and human dignity. In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” King argues that a just law is one that is consistent with the moral law or the law of god. It uplifts the human personality and respects the inherent dignity of every individual. In comparison, an unjust law is one that is out of harmony with moral law. It degrades human personality, often by creating inequality or by being imposed by a majority on a minority without the latter’s participation in the law-making process. King states that unjust laws are both immoral and lack legitimate authority, especially when those affected by the laws had no voice in creating them.
- Yes, the distinction between unjust and just laws matters because it has direct consequences on how individuals make ethical decisions and how society functions overall. Once individuals understand that all laws are not good and equitable by nature, then they will be more willing to consider about when it is appropriate to follow and when resisting is necessary. This understanding can guide personal conduct, encouraging people to oppose injustice even when it is lawful. It also affects political activism, citizens may protest and demand reform or repeal of unfair laws through protest, electoral pressure, or judicial activism. Otherwise, society is open to embracing harmful systems simply because they’re the law.
- A just law in the U.S. today is the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. According to Martin Luther King Jr.’s definition, it’s a just law because it follows moral law, promotes equality, and supports human dignity. On the other hand, an example of an unjust law would be those that allow for extreme gerrymandering. In this practice, voting districts are drawn to limit the political power of specific racial or socioeconomic groups. These laws are unjust by MLK’s standard because they distort democracy, deny equal participation, and are often created without the input or consent of the people most affected by them.
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Hi Alan. I like how you explained the second question and when you said, “Otherwise, society is open to embracing harmful systems simply because they’re the law”. It is true, if society does not notice a harmful system just because it’s the “law”, then all forms of oppression would continue to happen, and there would be no change for what’s morally right.