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Just And Unjust Laws Research Paper

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Just And Unjust Laws Research Paper
Just and Unjust Laws
Dr.Martin Luther King's Jr "Letter from Birmingham Jail,(1963)" was his response to the public statement of concern and caution issued by eight religious leaders of the south. This concern addressed the controversial issues of segregation between black and white people living in Birmingham .Dr.King included numerous points with his response. One of the main points he explained was about the difference between just and unjust laws."A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law, or the law of God." And "Unjust law is a code that is with out of harmony with moral law (3)."
Dr.King justified his first point in reply of unjust laws. Which explains about the moral responsibilities of blacks to disobey segregation which was unjust. Because he believes that unjust laws are not laws. Dr.King gave reasonable example why unjust laws are not fair laws for black people.
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On how it uplifts moral value and energy of people. He defines just law is " A code that squares with moral laws or law of God." According to Dr.King one has legal moral responsibility to obey just law. the concept of just was a question of high moral laws of black people. Because, people born wiht natural rights that no one can take away. Therefore, it was important for blacks to undergo non violent direct action .In order to gain their God given rights He said, "We must see the need of having non-violent direct gadflies to create the kind of tension in the society that will help men to rise from the dark depth of prejudice and racism to the heights of understanding and brotherhood (2)." The quote explains how non violent direct actions help black people to get their rights. On the other hand, white leaders will understand peace and brotherhood among people of the same country. Therefore, people will have equal opportunities in political and social activities excluding

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