Discussion Board 13.1

  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.
  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?
  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).

catherine girven

1.you can tell the difference between unjust law and just law because of moral law and how people get treated. A just law is something that should be uplifting people and keeping peace.Moral laws are something that shows off people personalities.

The difference between unjust law and just law effects how somone lives there life because their morals show and the life they choose to live shows that too.for example a person in jail in in a very different position then someone that is a law obeying citizen . Having the distinction is what makes a person a hood person in society

common law marriage laws are unjust because many people have chosen not to get married because of the responsibility yet they still have to obey the split process of common law a just law is rental land lord laws which makes sure everyone lives in a safe space

discussion 13.1

1- Martin Luther Kings differentiate the 2 by explaining that Just law are basic human needs God given law , or equality between everyone’s . 

Unjust law is dehumanizing, discrimination, inequality, anything August morals . 

2- yes i absolutely think it makes a difference in someone’s life because basic human rights can be easily abused , this is knowledge that everyone’s needs to have so they can stand up for themselves when something non normal is happening to them . This is also a good way of self defense because the more you know about what you can and can’t do the better you can protect yourself. 

Yes it can affect politics because when you’re educated you’re likely to not fall for certain tactics that’s used in these elections, and so called companions . A lot of people put on their best show to gain as many votes they would need to win and as soon as they win , they will overall and under deliver and your right may even be abused . 

3 – civil rights movement where Martin Luther king and a huge majority influence , that’s a justlaw because it was created to make other people feel included, more equality was created , justice was served after the long years of fighting.

Unjust law I would say strict voting rules , once again the average black citizen didn’t have the ability or to vote because the system created a really difficult test where even with our advanced knowledge nobory really passes it . But with civil rights the rights to vote were given to citizens witouth having to take the test. 

Ravyn Battle-Discussion board 13

  1. MLK says that a just law follows moral principles and uplifts human dignity, while an unjust law does the opposite,it degrades people or is applied unfairly. If a law gives one group more rights or power than another, it’s unjust.
  2. Yes, the difference between just and unjust laws matters a lot. It influences how people live and how they see fairness in their community. It can also shape political action, like protests, new policies, or changes in leadership, when people recognize that a law is morally wrong.

3. An example of an unjust law is strict voter ID laws that make it harder for certain people, like minorities or the elderly, to vote. These laws unfairly restrict access and don’t treat all citizens equally. A just law would be the Americans with Disabilities Act, because it ensures that people with disabilities have equal rights and access, supporting human dignity for all.

Premie Seecharran: Just and Unjust Laws, 13.1

  1. According to MLK, a just law is a good law, one that is fair and treats people equally. He explains that it is a law that follows moral rules and principles which helps people grow and be respected. An unjust law, he states, is the opposite. It is a bad law which goes against moral rules and principles and therefore hurts and treats people unfairly which leads to inequality.

2. Yes, I definitely think it makes a difference in how someone lives and how the country is run. If the laws are fair, people feel safe and respected. He or she can go about their daily activities without being fearful or judged. On the other hand, if the laws are unfair, based on religion or race, they might be treated badly which can affect their confidence and quality of life. It definitely can affect politics, for example unjust laws can cause conflicts and division in the society.

3. One example of a just law is the Voting Rights Act (1965) which makes sure that everyone especially Black Americans, has the right to vote. It is just because it treats people equally and their voices are heard. In some states, if you have been in prison, you cannot vote again, after you are released. This is unjust because it treats people as if they don’t count.

Kari Fisher 13

  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. Dr. King says just law is one that matches moral law and respects human dignity. It uplifts people and treats everyone equally. An unjust law does the opposite it degrades people, goes against fairness, and usually plays to the benefit of one group at the expense of another. MLK says “Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality 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? Yes, this distinction is very important just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s right. If people don’t know the difference between just and unjust laws, they might follow harmful laws without thinking. Understanding this helps us stand up for what’s right and hold systems accountable. It most definitely affects politics, because laws shape how power is used and who gets treated fairly.
  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). A just law now is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and provides them with the opportunity to access jobs, education and public places. It promotes dignity of the human person, so it’s squarely within M.L.K.’s definition of a just law. An example of a current unjust law is the abortion bans recently signed into law in several states that punish health care providers and seek to restrict particularly people who are women from making their own health care decisions. These laws infringe personal freedom and dignity and disproportionately affect low-income people and people of color. That is degrading and oppressive, making them unjust by MLK’s definition.

Kerstie Angelie Brice- When Law Fails Morality: MLK, Birthright Citizenship, and the Fight for Justice.

1-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that a just law uplifts human dignity, is fair to all people, and aligns with moral and divine law. In contrast, an unjust law harms people, degrades human personality, and is often used by those in power to oppress or control others. King wrote, “Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust.” He also said that a law becomes unjust when a group that is affected by the law had no voice in creating it.

2-Yes, it’s a very important distinction. If we don’t learn to tell the difference between laws that are fair and those that are harmful, we risk blindly following systems that destroy lives. This can affect how we treat others, how we vote, and how we respond to injustice. It’s what gives people the moral courage to say, “This law is legal, but it’s not right.” That kind of thinking helped move the civil rights movement forward and it still matters today in fights over immigration, policing, housing, and healthcare.

3-A just law today is the Fair Labor Standards Act, which ensures workers receive minimum wage and overtime pay. While not perfect, it helps protect workers from exploitation and supports the dignity of work. It reflects the belief that people should be treated fairly for their labor, something MLK also believed in strongly.

An unjust law is the proposal to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. These children, born on U.S. soil, are supposed to be citizens under the 14th Amendment. Taking away their right to citizenship simply because of their parents’ immigration status is cruel and discriminatory. It punishes innocent children and turns them into “outsiders” in the only country they’ve ever known. This directly violates MLK’s definition of a just law because it degrades human life, creates second-class citizens, and is based on prejudice, not justice.

Dawn Michaux MLK Letter

1. How can we tell the difference between just and unjust laws according to MLK?

MLK explains that:

  • Just laws are laws that align with moral law or the law of God. They uplift human dignity and are applied equally to all people.
  • Unjust laws are those that degrade human personality and are often imposed on a group that did not consent to them. They are out of harmony with moral law, and often create inequality or discrimination.

A key way to identify an unjust law, MLK says, is if it “degrades human personality” or if a law is inflicted on a minority that did not have a voice in creating it. Another test is whether a law is applied unfairly or arbitrarily.

2. Why is this distinction important? Does it affect individual lives, society, or politics?

Yes, this distinction is very important because:

  • For individuals: Recognizing whether a law is just or unjust guides personal conscience and moral choices. If a law is unjust, individuals may feel compelled to disobey it morally and engage in nonviolent protest.
  • For society: This distinction helps ensure laws serve justice and human dignity rather than oppression. It challenges societies to examine their legal systems critically and reform unjust laws.
  • For politics: It affects how laws are created, interpreted, and enforced. Politics should strive to create laws that are just, promoting equality and human rights, and should also allow room for challenging unjust laws.

Ignoring this distinction can perpetuate injustice, discrimination, and social unrest. Recognizing it can inspire activism and social change.

3. Examples of just and unjust laws in the US today (using MLK’s definitions):

Example of an unjust law:

  • Voter suppression laws (such as strict voter ID laws or laws that reduce early voting) in some states can be seen as unjust.
  • Why? These laws often disproportionately affect minority and marginalized communities, limiting their participation in democracy and degrading their political voice, which fits MLK’s idea of unjust laws being those inflicted on a minority without consent and that degrade human dignity.

Example of a just law:

Why? It aligns with moral law by promoting equality and dignity for all people, applied equally, and seeks to uplift human personality — fitting MLK’s definition of a just law.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Kadidia Kone Discussion Board 13

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

The difference between Just and Unjust laws is that just laws are man-made laws that align with moral principles or the law of God, promoting fairness, equality, and well-being of all citizens. While Unjust laws are legal codes that are perceived as unfair, discriminatory, or morally wrong. They often violate human rights or principles of justice.

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?

Yes, I do believe Just, and unjust laws make a difference in the way someone lives their lives because Just laws uphold human rights and ensure fairness and equality. People who are a different race, gender, religion or sexuality have laws to protect them from discrimination. Protects rights and freedoms by upholding fundamental rights and liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, enabling individuals to live their lives without fear of unjust restriction.

With unjust laws it can impact individuals’ lives by creating discrimination and oppression that will target specific groups of people. It can cause social inequality by creating imbalances of rights and social classes, rather than promoting a united, democratic society where everyone is treated equal. This can stop job opportunities or educational opportunities and may increase hardships.

3. Based on our discussion of Question 1, give an example each, of an unjust and just law, in the US today.

An example of an Unjust in the US today is the reproductive rights of women such as banning abortions or restricting access to an abortion in certain states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Tennesse, or Louisiana. This makes is Unjust because the law takes away a woman’s fundamental rights to make decisions about their own body and reproductive health. Victims of sexual assaults may have to carry to full term with the trauma of their assault even if they were assaulted, abortion bans still do not give them the option in cases like this. Women who go to a legal state with abortion rights may be charged if they go back to the state that bans abortions due to state law.

An example of a just law in the US today is equal access to education. Laws that guarantee all children to have access to a free and public education system is considered a just because it provides equal opportunities for children to learn without paying for education.

Ari Goodfriend Module 13

  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.

He states that a just law also follows the moral code of people, whereas an unjust law breaks morals and may degrade people.

  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?

Of course, considering so many argue over what the morally right answer is and thus many will disagree with a certain law. Abortion is a huge example as in many states it is considered murder, and yet many people find it unjust in that it restricts someone’s bodily autonomy. It affects politics immensely as politicians may support or oppose certain laws that they cannot change and thus have the same questioning of justice as the regular people.

  1. 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).

As I outlined in the question before, whether a law is just or unjust depends upon who you ask as people have various and often opposing morals. Another example is gun control, as many find the laws allowing 18 year olds to buy guns to be unjust and putting people in harm, whereas others who value freedom and self defense in their morals find restriction on guns to be unjust.