Martin Luther King Jr. believed that the difference between just and unjust laws lay in their alignment with moral principles. Just laws are those that uphold moral righteousness, fairness, equality, and human dignity, while unjust laws are those that violate these principles.
The distinction between just and unjust laws informs debates over policy and legislation in the political realm, influencing public opinion, activism, and the democratic process. Individuals and advocacy groups may challenge unjust laws through legal channels, social movements, and political activism, seeking to change laws that perpetuate inequality, discrimination, or oppression.
To give examples of just and unjust laws in the US today, voter suppression laws that disproportionately target minority communities by imposing restrictive voter ID requirements or reducing polling locations are unjust. These laws violate the principles of equality and democratic participation by disenfranchising certain groups and undermining the right to vote. On the other hand, The Civil Rights Act , which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment and public accommodations, is a just law. This law promotes equality, protects individual rights, and aligns with principles of fairness and human dignity.