Question

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Part A

Read this sentence from “Letter From Birmingham Jail”: choose the correct answer

   [T]here are two types of laws: just and unjust.

Which statement best describes the distinction King draws, in the letter, between two types of laws?
A. Just laws apply to deep-seated human prejudices, while unjust laws do not.
B. Just laws can realistically be enforced in actual life, while unjust laws cannot.
C. Just laws are rooted in universal principles of fairness, while unjust laws are not.
D. Just laws vary in harshness according to circumstances, while unjust laws do not. Choose the correct answer.
Part B

Which excerpt from “Letter From Birmingham Jail” best supports the answer to Part A?
A. Since we so diligently urge people to obey the Supreme Court's decision of 1954 outlawing segregation in the public schools, at first glance it may seem rather paradoxical for us consciously to break laws.
B. Segregation . . . substitutes an "I it" relationship for an "I thou" relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things. Hence segregation is not only politically, economically and sociologically unsound, it is morally wrong and sinful.
C. For instance, I have been arrested on a charge of parading without a permit. Now, there is nothing wrong in having an ordinance which requires a permit for a parade.
D. I hope you are able to see the distinction I am trying to point out. In no sense do I advocate evading or defying the law, as would the rabid segregationist. That would lead to anarchy.

Answer 1

Part A: C

Part B: B

Explanation (brief): Option B calls segregation "morally wrong and sinful," which supports King's distinction that just laws are grounded in universal moral principles while unjust laws are not.