Resisting Injustice: A Duty To Defend Freedom

The quote When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, especially by liberals who oppose former US President Donald Trump. However, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation and etymologists have disputed this, stating that there is no evidence that Jefferson ever said or wrote these words. The quote first appeared in print in association with Jefferson in 2006 but had been in circulation for decades prior. The phrase may have been popularized by social activists in Australia, as similar words were spoken by a member of Australia's Socialist Alliance in 1993.

The quote is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson but is considered spurious by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation

The quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty," is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, especially by those invoking a spirit of opposition or rebellion. However, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation considers it a "spurious" quotation, and it is not found in any of his written works. The first-known print appearance of the quote attributed to Jefferson was in 2006, although the saying has been in circulation for decades.

The sentiment of the quote aligns with some of Jefferson's ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence. For example, Jefferson wrote: "...when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government...". This excerpt from the Declaration of Independence conveys a similar notion of the people's right and duty to resist oppressive or unjust governance.

The phrase has also been credited to other famous figures, such as Henry David Thoreau and Nelson Mandela, but there is no concrete evidence to support these attributions either. The first known use of the quote was by a member of Australia's Socialist Alliance in 1993, who may have helped to popularize the expression. Despite the uncertainty of its origin, the quote continues to resonate with people worldwide, reflecting a universal recognition of the importance of standing up against injustice.

The quote captures some of the ideas expressed by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence

The quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty," is a powerful statement that resonates with the ideals expressed by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. This quote encapsulates the fundamental principles that underpinned the American Revolution and the founding of a new nation.

Jefferson, in the Declaration of Independence, outlined a set of ideals and rights that he believed were inherent to all people. He asserted that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and that their primary purpose is to secure these natural rights. These rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. When a government fails to protect these rights and instead becomes a source of injustice, it violates the social contract between the rulers and the ruled.

The quote reflects Jefferson's belief in the duty of the people to resist and overthrow such an oppressive government. In the Declaration, he states that "it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." This idea of resistance as a moral obligation is a key theme in the Declaration and is echoed in the quote.

Additionally, the quote conveys a sense of moral clarity and the belief in a higher law or natural justice. Jefferson argued that certain truths were self-evident and that all people are created equal. When laws are enacted that contradict these self-evident truths and infringe upon the rights and liberties of the people, they cease to be just. In such cases, resistance is not merely a right but a duty, as the quote suggests.

Furthermore, this sentiment of resistance against injustice resonates with the broader context of the American Revolution. The colonists felt that the British government was imposing unjust laws upon them, such as taxation without representation. They believed that their rights as Englishmen were being violated, and this led to a growing sense of resistance and ultimately, revolution. The quote, therefore, captures the spirit of that revolutionary era.

In conclusion, the quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty," aligns closely with the principles espoused by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. It reflects his beliefs in natural rights, the social contract, and the duty of the people to resist oppressive and unjust governments. This quote serves as a reminder of the foundational ideals upon which the United States was established and continues to inspire movements for justice and freedom around the world.

The quote has been used by both conservatives and liberals in the US

The quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty," has indeed been utilized by diverse ideological groups in the United States, including both conservatives and liberals. This phrase resonates with individuals across the political spectrum who perceive themselves as defenders of liberty and justice in the face of oppressive or unjust laws.

On the conservative side, this quote has been embraced by those who advocate for limited government and individual freedoms. When they perceive government overreach or the implementation of policies that contradict their traditional values, they see it as their duty to resist. For instance, during the Obama administration, some conservatives felt that their Second Amendment rights were under threat due to proposed gun control measures. In response, they adopted this quote as a rallying cry, asserting that it was their duty to resist what they viewed as an unjust infringement on their constitutional right to bear arms.

Liberals, on the other hand, have also invoked this quote in their pursuit of social justice and progressive causes. When they witness systemic injustices, such as racial discrimination, income inequality, or the denial of civil liberties, they feel compelled to challenge the status quo. During the Trump presidency, for example, liberals frequently protested against what they perceived as unjust immigration policies, such as the Muslim travel ban and the separation of migrant children from their parents at the US-Mexico border. The quote "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" was often used to justify and inspire these acts of resistance.

Additionally, this quote has been employed by both sides in the context of civil liberties. Conservatives and liberals alike have historically fought against laws that infringe upon freedom of speech, religion, and privacy. For instance, when the National Security Agency's mass surveillance programs were revealed, individuals across the political spectrum united in their opposition, arguing that it was their duty to resist these unjust intrusions into their private lives.

The versatility of this quote lies in its ability to encapsulate the spirit of defiance against perceived oppression, regardless of political affiliation. Both conservatives and liberals in the US have, at different times, felt the need to stand against what they see as unjust laws or policies. While their specific interpretations of "injustice" may differ, the underlying sentiment of resistance remains a powerful motivator for political and social activism.

In conclusion, the quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty," has been effectively employed by both conservatives and liberals in the US as a rallying cry for their respective causes. It serves as a reminder that, regardless of ideological differences, there is a shared commitment to fighting against perceived injustices and upholding the values that each group holds dear.

The first known attribution to Jefferson was in 2006, although the saying has been in circulation for decades

The quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty," is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence and believed in the spirit of rebellion. However, this statement has not been found in his writings, and organisations like the Thomas Jefferson Foundation and etymologists have called it a "spurious quotation".

> "The High Court of Australia's decision to keep refugee children imprisoned in detention centres makes it crystal clear that injustice has become law in this country. And when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty."

While the exact phrase has not been found in Jefferson's writing, it captures some of the ideas he expressed in the Declaration of Independence. For example, Jefferson wrote:

> "...when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government..."

The quote has been shared by both conservatives and liberals, especially in opposition to policies or figures they disagree with.

The phrase was likely popularized by social activists in Australia

The phrase "When Injustice Becomes Law, Resistance Becomes Duty" has a powerful resonance, and its popularity among social activists in Australia is evident. This sentence serves as a rallying cry for those standing against perceived injustices and an assertion of the belief that active resistance is not only a right but also a moral obligation.

Australia has a robust history of social activism, with citizens passionately advocating for various causes. The country has witnessed numerous movements addressing issues such as Aboriginal land rights, refugee treatment, equal rights for the LGBTQIA+ community, and more. During these movements, activists have drawn strength and unity from shared phrases, slogans, and symbols.

The sentence "When Injustice Becomes Law, Resistance Becomes Duty" likely resonated with Australian social activists due to its emphatic assertion of civil disobedience. This phrase encapsulates the belief that if laws are deemed unjust, it is the duty of conscientious citizens to challenge and resist them actively. It empowers individuals to stand against what they perceive as wrong, even if it means going against established authority.

This sentence is a powerful reminder that activism is often driven by a sense of moral duty and a belief in a higher justice that transcends legal frameworks. By embracing this phrase, activists in Australia and worldwide assert their commitment to fighting for what they believe is right, even in the face of opposition or legal repercussions. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of activism and the belief in the power of collective action to bring about positive change.

The popularity of this phrase in Australia is a reflection of the country's vibrant culture of dissent and its history of passionate activism. It serves as a unifying cry for those seeking to challenge injustices and create a better society for all. This sentence is likely to continue to inspire and empower activists as they strive to make their voices heard and bring about meaningful change.

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