The Constant Fight for Just Laws

1186 Words3 Pages

Many people believe laws are in place to protect them from danger and each other. Thus inferring they take some sort of control over people's actions. Laws are in place by our government (authority) to control a group of people living in a area together (community) (merriam-webster). These laws should not be broken or a penalty fitting the crime will be given, and those responsible will be sentenced to pay. Although not all laws that are broken are meant to be an act of defilement some are broken to show one's stand on a issue or as solidarity to others. It may be inferred from the actions that Martin Luther King Jr. took that he fought for the rights and the constant injustice he and others lived. King helped move the segregation issue forward by constant battles and by letting his clear, load voice be heard across the nation. As human beings and members of a country with so much to offer, everyone should have a moral obligation to stand up for what they believe in. Fighting injustice in a peaceful and determined way will result in a greater outcome for all. What makes a fair law and what makes an unjust law? In addition, when can they decide which is which? The answer to this question depends very much on people's understanding and opinion on the status of the law. On this issue it is likely that everyone falls into one of two categories. People falling into the first of these categories would be those who consider that through social contract they are indebted to obey the law, whatever the law states and regardless of their opinion on the moral status of that law ,that they are morally obligated to operate within the law. Furthermore by this way of thinking we can conclude that if the law binds us we must commit to what t... ... middle of paper ... ...thod that he would rather die than commit an unjust act by escaping. Socrates feared to be seen as unjust and seen as a corrupting force, since he would have destroyed the power of the law. He chose death to show his people what he believed in was true. Nevertheless, if one observes the actions of Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez and compares them to the actions of other groups or individuals who have attempted to bring about social change, a simple conclusion can be reached. Nonviolent means of protest are the most effective way to bring about change, and also the best way to give others an understanding of why the change is necessary. In conclusion King wrote and spoke amazing words about freedom, equality, and justice his work along with others like him, have changed the United States, and has given people what he wanted the most dignity and respect.

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