1. According to MLK, we can tell the difference between just and unjust laws by determining if they are moral, inhumane, or a law of God. Unjust laws are degrading to a human, segregation is unfair, and laws created by selfishness are not considered justifiable.
2. Viewing the difference between just and unjust laws is very important and makes a difference in our society. This does affect politics. When politicians are elected, they have the power to create unjustifiable laws or rules towards certain people out of selfishness. MLK made a great example in his letter, he described as everything the Nazi party has done during Adolf Hitlers regime was considered “legal”, but it does not make the laws morally right.
3. An example of a just law in the U.S. today is the legalization of same sex marriage. This is uplifting to humans and does not create inequality for certain groups. An unjust restriction we can see in the U.S., and NYC specifically, is a homeless person sleeping on trains or in public spaces. They will most likely be kicked off and told to go somewhere else, even though they currently do not have anywhere to go.

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

• “Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.” This is from Letter from Birmingham Jail 1963 by MLK. This quote shows MLK rational for breaking the law. By creating a distinct framework, MLK puts forth an argument and backs it up with examples such as this excerpt from earlier in the passage. “You express a great deal of anxiety over our willingness to break laws. This is certainly a legitimate concern. Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Court’s decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, at first glance it may seem rather paradoxical for us consciously to break laws. One may won ask: “How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?” The answer lies in the fact that there fire two types of laws: just and unjust. I would be the Brat to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that “an unjust law is no law at all.”  He uses this example to show how those who make laws do not care about just or unjust.  The laws created are to follow a certain “rule of the land”.  MLK is seeking for a form of fairness when judging the law. If it is unfair it should not be followed. I’ll end this with another quote that made an impression on me and I hope it leaves you with the same. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” and “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” 

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?

• “Any law that uplifts human personality is just.” This quote stuck out to me clearly as a great judgment for just and unjust. If a law strips those of their human elements their freedoms, suppression of expression, or attacks them for uncontrollable attributes. These I would deem as very unjust. Yes I think it does make a difference on how people live their lives. To live under an oppressive regime affects your ability to live a full and comfortable life. “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Yes I think it can affect our politics. Currently in NYC we have just had our Democratic Mayoral primary where someone from the left stood up to the president’s current policies on immigration and other oppressive policies. This is an example of light after the darkest moment. I would say the more oppressive the current administration is the more people vote in the opposite direction. 

3. Based on our discussion of Question 1, give an example 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).

• Texas and their marajana laws which have led to many non violent criminals facing life altering consequences for a small amount of the substance. I think it is unjust due to the downside of the substance in small amounts being in possession does not outweigh the punishment. The punishment is cruel and unjust affecting not only the user of the substance but the family and community as well. Many have theorized that such policies were put into law to keep certain people in their place. There are many reasons to regulate substances, there is no argument there just like alcohol has an age limit but is perfectly legal to use marajana should in my opinion be the same. The effects on communities since the “war on drugs” has displaced many families by leaving them without members that could have been the differences of success and failure for families.  “Any law that uplifts human personality is just.” I will use my example again of the apartheid system in South Africa in the 90s as an example of unjust laws. A system of laws that fitfully keep a group of people down and away from being the best for themselves, their family’s and the community as a whole are utterly not acceptable.

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.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed the key difference between a just and an unjust law lies in how it aligns with moral principles and human dignity. A just law promotes fairness and equality and treats all individuals with respect, uplifting their value as human beings. On the other hand, an unjust law does the opposite; it diminishes a person’s sense of worth or is created without the participation of the people it affects. King made the argument that laws are unjust when they are imposed by a majority group onto a minority without that group having a say in the matter. Furthermore, he emphasized that legality does not always equate to morality; a law can be legally enacted but still be deeply unethical. Ultimately, for King, the moral responsibility of citizens is to follow just laws and to resist unjust ones through nonviolent means.

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?

Yes, understanding the difference between just and unjust laws is crucial because it helps individuals and communities hold systems of power accountable. If people accept all laws as inherently good simply because they are legally binding, they might unknowingly support oppression or discrimination. Recognizing injustice in the law encourages critical thinking and can motivate citizens to speak out, protest, or vote for change. Historically, movements like the Civil Rights Movement, same-sex marriage advocacy, and more recently, transgender rights activism have shown how awareness of unjust laws can reshape public policy and political priorities. It also teaches people that morality and legality are not always the same, and that ethical living sometimes involves questioning or even breaking certain laws to promote fairness. In the end, this distinction shapes how we define justice and influences whether our society grows more inclusive or remains divided by inequality.

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).

A clear example of a just law today is the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects people from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and national origin. This law aligns with MLK’s idea of justice because it promotes equal treatment under the law and affirms the dignity of individuals who have historically faced discrimination. It was passed with the intention of correcting systemic inequalities and helping everyone participate equally in public life. On the flip side, voter ID laws in certain states serve as a modern example of unjust legislation. While they may appear neutral, these laws often disproportionately burden low-income individuals, racial minorities, and the elderly, making it harder for them to vote. According to MLK’s philosophy, laws that restrict or marginalize certain groups; especially when those groups have limited influence in creating those laws are unjust and should be challenged. These laws undermine democratic participation and fail to respect the equal voice of all citizens in the political process.

1. According to MLK, a just law is one that prioritizes human dignity, has moral principles, and it applies to all. An unjust law is basically the opposite; it demeans people and caters toward the interests of the powerful at the expense of the weak. He emphasizes how something isn’t always right just because it’s legal. He believed that an unjust law is usually put in place by the majority on a minority but they themselves don’t follow it. This shows how laws might appear just on paper but be applied in unfair and damaging ways.
2. Yes, there is a clear distinction between right and unjust laws and the effects are seen in everyday life. It affects how people connect with their communities, how they see authority, and how they decide to react when they are treated unfairly. Blindly following laws without asking questions allows for injustice to continue, with no signs of resistance near. Political involvement, social movements, and even voting behavior are often influenced by people’s perceptions of the fairness or injustice of the laws in place. Being aware of the distinction enables people to take purposeful action, for example: this distinction has served as the foundation for the civil rights movement, current protests such as Black Lives Matter, and etc.
3. An example of a just law, in the US today, would be the Affordable Care Act’s clause which prohibits insurance companies from refusing coverage to those with pre-existing diseases. This law helps to ensure that everyone is treated equally and has access to something as basic as healthcare, regardless of their medical history. It mirrors the equality and regard for human dignity that MLK thought a just law should uphold, but unfortunetly this law may be threatened by the introduction of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” An example of an unjust law would be certain mandatory minimum sentencing laws for non-violent drug offenses. People of color have been disproportionately impacted by these laws, which have resulted in mass incarceration without taking into account the complete circumstances of each case. They have terrible long-term effects, and dehumanize people.

According to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a just law is one that uplifts human dignity and matches moral values. An unjust law is one that brings people down, treats them unfairly, or is created without giving the people it affects a say in it. He explains this in his Letter from Birmingham Jail by saying that a just law is rooted in fairness and equal treatment, while an unjust law usually serves the interest of the powerful and harms those with less power.

I think this difference really matters. If people don’t know how to tell the difference, they might support or follow laws that are clearly unfair. This can affect how people live day to day, how they view the government, and how they act in politics. When people realize something is wrong, they are more likely to speak out or push for change. This can be through protests, voting, or joining movements that want justice. Knowing what makes a law just or unjust helps people decide when to follow the law and when to challenge it.

A just law today would be the Americans with Disabilities Act. This law protects people with disabilities and makes sure public places are accessible to everyone. It supports equality and makes life easier for people who are often ignored or excluded.

An unjust law today would be those that criminalize homelessness, like banning people from sleeping in public spaces. These laws punish people for being poor instead of helping them. According to Dr. King, that kind of law is unjust because it does not support human dignity and mainly affects people who don’t have the power to fight back.

1. The difference between just and unjust laws are their foundation of morals behind which they are created. A just law is a law created in the alignment of respectable morals and uplifts human dignity. Unjust laws are the opposite, these laws are degraded and align with no morals. In his letter, Dr. King explains unjust laws as being laws that are created without the input or opinion of those the law will affect. An example of unjust laws would be Jim Crow Laws. They promote inequality against Black Americans. Dr. King believed that it was up to the people to peacefully disobey these unjust laws to uphold a higher standard of justice.
2. There is an important distinction between just and unjust laws, and its important to understand this distinction in order to properly perform in society as a whole. When people understand and recognize when a law is unjust they feel obligated to go against these laws to spark a change. This will also affect our politics by influencing the public opinion and how political leaders are viewed. In conclusion, this distinction makes sure than laws serve the public not just legally but ethically.
3. An example of an unjust law in the Unites States today would be the voter ID laws. This law directly impacts low income Americans and people of color. Dr. Kings defines unjust laws as laws that create a barrier for certain citizens and this law creates unequal access to voting for citizens. It degrades citizens and strips them of their basic democratic right.
   
   

1. According to MLK, how can we tell the difference between just and unjust laws?
   In Letter from Birmingham Jail, Dr. King says a just law is one that uplifts human dignity, is rooted in morality, and treats everyone equally. An unjust law degrades people, goes against moral values, or is made without the input of those it affects. Just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s right.
   
2. Is this an important distinction? Can it affect the way people live or influence politics?
   Yes, it’s very important. If people don’t question whether a law is just, they might follow harmful rules just to “keep the peace.” But recognizing injustice helps people speak up, push for change, and fight for fairness. It shapes how we live, what we believe in, and how we vote or protest.
   
3. Example of a just law (today):
   The Voting Rights Act is a just law. It protects every citizen’s right to vote and prevents racial discrimination at the polls. It uplifts people and supports equality—matching what MLK described as a just law.
   

Example of an unjust law (today):
Laws that criminalize homelessness (like bans on sleeping in public) are unjust. They punish people for being poor or without shelter, rather than helping them. These laws harm dignity and target people who usually have no voice in politics—exactly what MLK warned against.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

According to MLK, the difference between a just and an unjust law is that a just law uplifts human dignity, while an unjust law degrades it. He says that a just law is in line with the moral law or the law of God, while an unjust law goes against it. For example, a law is unjust if it gives one group power over another, or if it’s created without giving the affected people a voice. I think this is a really important difference, because it helps us question laws instead of just obeying them blindly. If we never think about whether a law is right or wrong, we might support unfair systems without meaning to. This definitely affects society and politics, because if people start recognizing unjust laws, they might push for change, like during the civil rights movement. An example of a just law today is the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It bans discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or nationality. That law uplifts people’s dignity and treats everyone equally, like MLK said a just law should. An example of an unjust law today could be some states’ laws that make it hard for certain groups to vote, like requiring strict voter ID or limiting early voting. Those laws can hurt poor people, older people, or any people of color, and they take away their power to have a say in government. That’s degrading and unfair, so by MLK’s standards, they would be unjust.