Asked by jamar
what is Dr.King's response to the criticism that are encouraging the following of some laws while breaking other laws from the letter of birmingham jail
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King answers that charge directly: he insists there is a moral difference between just and unjust laws, so it is not inconsistent to obey the former and disobey the latter. Key points from the Letter:
- "How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others? ... One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws."
- He defines a just law as a man‑made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God and uplifts human personality; an unjust law is out of harmony with moral law and degrades human personality.
- Civil disobedience, he says, must be nonviolent, open, and done with a willingness to accept the penalty: "An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty... is in reality expressing the highest respect for law."
- He argues this form of protest creates constructive tension that forces negotiation and moral change.
In short, King frames selective law‑breaking as a moral duty when laws are unjust and as a disciplined, respectful tactic aimed at reform, not lawlessness.
- "How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others? ... One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws."
- He defines a just law as a man‑made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God and uplifts human personality; an unjust law is out of harmony with moral law and degrades human personality.
- Civil disobedience, he says, must be nonviolent, open, and done with a willingness to accept the penalty: "An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty... is in reality expressing the highest respect for law."
- He argues this form of protest creates constructive tension that forces negotiation and moral change.
In short, King frames selective law‑breaking as a moral duty when laws are unjust and as a disciplined, respectful tactic aimed at reform, not lawlessness.
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