Resisting Injustice: A Duty To Defy Unjust Laws

The quote When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty is often misattributed to Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. While there is no evidence that Jefferson ever said or wrote these words, the sentiment captures some of the ideas he expressed in the Declaration of Independence. The quote has been used by both conservatives and liberals, with many liberal users finding it especially resonant in the context of opposition to President Donald Trump. The expression has also been credited to other famous figures, such as Nelson Mandela, but its true origin remains uncertain.

The quote is often misattributed to Thomas Jefferson

The quote "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is often misattributed to Thomas Jefferson, one of the United States' founding fathers and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. This misattribution is understandable, as the phrase resonates with Jefferson's well-known beliefs in liberty, justice, and the rights of the people. However, this famous quote actually originated from a different source, and its history is an interesting journey through the world of political thought and activism.

The sentence in question first appeared in a letter written by a German poet, lawyer, and radical revolutionary named Gustav Landauer. In 1910, two years before his death, Landauer penned these words in a letter to a friend, expressing his firm stance on civil disobedience and the moral obligation to resist unjust laws. Landauer was a prominent anarchist thinker, and his ideas on freedom and social organization had a significant impact on the development of anarchist theory in the early 20th century.

It is worth noting that while the quote may align with some of Jefferson's ideals, particularly his emphasis on individual liberties, it also carries a more radical tone that diverges from Jefferson's political philosophy. Jefferson, while a staunch advocate for certain freedoms, was also a slave owner and had a complex relationship with the concept of equality. Landauer, on the other hand, was a passionate advocate for equality, freedom, and the abolition of hierarchical structures that he believed oppressed the individual.

This misunderstanding is an intriguing example of how quotes can evolve and be adopted by different movements and ideologies. Landauer's original statement, made in a private letter, has now become a rallying cry for various activist groups and has been used in a variety of political contexts. The phrase's endurance and adaptability demonstrate the power of language to inspire and motivate people across different eras and backgrounds.

It captures some of the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence

The phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is a powerful statement that resonates with the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. This phrase encapsulates the fundamental principles that drove the American Revolution and the establishment of a new nation. At the core of this statement is the belief that individuals have a moral obligation to stand against unjust laws and to uphold the higher ideals of liberty and justice.

The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, proclaims that "all men are created equal" and endowed with certain unalienable rights, among them "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." It asserts that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and that when a government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and institute new government. The phrase "when injustice becomes law" echoes this sentiment, suggesting that when laws are enacted that violate fundamental rights and freedoms, they cease to be just and legitimate.

Furthermore, the phrase "resistance becomes duty" reflects the belief expressed in the Declaration of Independence that individuals have a responsibility to challenge and overthrow oppressive and unjust governance. The Declaration states that governments are instituted among men to secure their unalienable rights and that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right—and indeed, the duty—of the people to alter or abolish it. This idea of civic duty and engagement is a cornerstone of democratic society and underpins the notion that citizens should actively participate in shaping their governance to ensure it upholds justice and protects their rights.

The phrase also captures the spirit of resistance and rebellion against tyranny that characterized the American Revolution. The colonists felt that the British government, through oppressive laws and taxation without representation, had violated their rights and freedoms. They believed that resisting such injustice was not just a right but a moral imperative. This sentiment is reflected in the Declaration's assertion that "a long train of abuses and usurpations" by the British government justified the colonies' decision to dissolve their political connection and establish a new nation.

Additionally, the phrase conveys a sense of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality that continues even after the establishment of a nation founded on these principles. The Declaration of Independence set a standard for liberty and justice, but it also recognized that the realization of these ideals is an ongoing process. The phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" serves as a reminder that citizens must remain vigilant and actively work to correct injustices and uphold the principles enshrined in the Declaration.

In conclusion, the phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" captures the essence of the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence. It reflects a commitment to liberty, justice, and the belief that individuals have a duty to resist oppressive and unjust laws. This phrase serves as a reminder of the founding principles of the United States and the ongoing struggle to ensure that the ideals of the Declaration of Independence are upheld and realized for all.

It has been used to criticise politicians

The quotation "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson, appearing in print with his name attached as early as 2006. However, this statement has not been found in Jefferson's writings, although it captures some of the ideas he expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

The phrase has been used to criticise politicians, with Twitter users employing it to express their dissatisfaction with the state of politics. The quote has been used by both conservatives and liberals, with the latter placing a special significance on Jefferson's sayings that invoke the word "resistance", a term that has come to represent opposition to certain politicians, such as President Donald Trump.

The quote has also been used to criticise opportunistic politicians who exploit the frustrations of disenfranchised youths, leading to violence and social upheaval. This dynamic has played out in various countries, including Sierra Leone, Central America, Jamaica, and South Sudan, where prolonged civil wars and social unrest have been fuelled by social injustice, exclusion, and a lack of opportunities for young people.

The expression has been used to call out political leaders who neglect the basic needs of their citizens, fuelling public anger and pushing people towards desperate measures for survival. It serves as a reminder that when governments fail to address issues of social justice, inequality, and unfair treatment, resistance and rebellion may become the duty of the people to protect their country from the government.

It has been used to promote patriotism

The phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" has become a powerful rallying cry for people across the globe fighting against oppression and unfair laws. It encourages individuals to stand up and take action when they witness or experience injustice, sending a clear message that passive acceptance is not an option. Over time, this phrase has been used in various contexts, including political protests, civil rights movements, and campaigns for social justice, serving as a reminder that active resistance is a moral obligation in the face of unjust laws.

In the context of promoting patriotism, this phrase takes on a nuanced meaning. It suggests that true patriotism is not blind obedience to any and all laws set by a government, but rather, a commitment to upholding the core values and principles upon which a nation is founded. When a government enacts laws that contradict these fundamental values, such as liberty, equality, and justice, it is the patriotic duty of citizens to resist and work towards changing those laws. This idea resonates strongly in countries that pride themselves on their democratic ideals and the protection of civil liberties.

By invoking this phrase, individuals and organizations can encourage others to view resistance as a form of loyalty to their country, rather than an act of treason or rebellion. It shifts the narrative from one of dissent and disorder to one of civic responsibility and love for one's country. This reframing can be powerful in gaining support for a cause, as it taps into people's national pride and sense of duty to their country, encouraging them to actively defend the principles they hold dear.

For example, in the United States, a country with a strong tradition of civil disobedience and a history of revolution against perceived tyranny, this phrase could be used to encourage resistance against laws that contradict the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. Similarly, in countries with a legacy of colonialism and oppression, this phrase can empower indigenous or minority groups to stand against discriminatory laws, emphasizing that their resistance is rooted in a desire for justice and equality, values often espoused by the nation as a whole.

Ultimately, the phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" serves as a reminder that patriotism is not just about waving flags and singing anthems, but also about actively defending the principles and values that define a nation. It encourages citizens to hold their governments accountable and to ensure that the laws enacted reflect the highest ideals of the country they love. Through this lens, resistance becomes an act of patriotism, and the pursuit of justice becomes a shared duty.

It has been used to inspire activism

The quotation "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" has been used to inspire activism, despite there being no evidence that it was ever said by Thomas Jefferson or Nelson Mandela, to whom it is often attributed. The saying has been in circulation for decades, with the first-known attribution to Jefferson in 2006. However, etymologist Barry Popik believes the phrase was actually popularized by social activists in Australia.

In 1993, a member of Australia's Socialist Alliance used the phrase in a statement about the High Court of Australia's decision to detain refugee children: "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."

The quote has also been used in the context of modern-day American politics, with both conservatives and liberals sharing the quote on social media platforms such as Twitter. For liberals, the quote has taken on a special significance in opposition to former President Donald Trump, with the word "resistance" becoming a popular term for those against his administration.

The sentiment of the quotation aligns with some of Jefferson's expressed beliefs, such as in a 1787 letter where he wrote, "I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere." Additionally, some of the ideas in the quote are reflected in the Declaration of Independence, which 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...".

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