
Laws are based on societal morals, but individuals are called to make their own moral decisions, which is a fundamental part of being human. This means that sometimes it can be morally justifiable to break the law. For example, when a law is explicitly targeted to oppress or harm a group, there is an incentive for individuals to publicly break the law in order to engage the attention of other citizens, with the goal of creating public outrage over the injustice. This is a common tactic in civil rights conflicts, mostly stemming from Martin Luther King Jr and other protestors in the 1950s and '60s.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Laws are influenced by various factors and are not always morally right | Moral duty overrides legal obligations |
| Laws can be unjust and oppressive | Civil disobedience can be used to create public outrage over injustice |
| Laws can be influenced by the rich and wealthy | Individuals are called to make their own moral decisions |
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What You'll Learn

Civil disobedience
For example, if a law perpetuates racial inequalities, it may be morally justifiable to break it if all other options have been exhausted and the potential consequences have been considered. This is because moral duty overrides legal obligations, and it is a fundamental part of being human to make our own moral decisions.
However, it is important to note that the reasons for law-breaking are ultimately down to the individual breaking the law. Laws are intended to foster cooperative behaviour and create a framework for resolving conflicting interests. Therefore, while civil disobedience can be a powerful tool for change, it is not without risks and potential consequences.
In conclusion, while there may be situations where civil disobedience is morally justifiable, it is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration of the specific circumstances and potential outcomes.
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Individual morals
For example, an individual may feel it is morally justifiable to break the law if they believe the law is unjust or oppressive. This could include laws that target and harm specific groups, such as those based on race or other inequalities. By publicly breaking such laws, individuals can engage the attention of other citizens and create public outrage over the injustice, as seen in civil rights conflicts led by Martin Luther King Jr. and other protestors in the 1950s and '60s.
Additionally, individuals may feel it is morally justifiable to break the law if they believe the law is morally flawed or inconsistent with their own moral values. This could include laws that protect the rich and wealthy at the expense of the poor and disadvantaged. In such cases, individuals may feel a moral duty to override their legal obligations and take action based on their own moral judgment.
It is important to note that the decision to break the law is a serious and complex matter. While individual morals play a significant role, other factors, such as the potential consequences and the existence of alternative options, must also be carefully considered.
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Moral duty overrides legal obligations
It can be morally justifiable to break the law when the law is morally flawed or oppressive. Laws are based on societal morals, but individuals are called to make their own moral decisions, which is a fundamental part of being human. Therefore, it can be morally right, and even indicated, to break the law in certain situations.
For example, when a law is explicitly targeted to oppress or harm a group, there is an incentive for individuals to publicly break the law in order to engage the attention of other citizens, with the goal of creating public outrage over the injustice. This is a common tactic in civil rights conflicts, mostly stemming from Martin Luther King Jr and other protestors in the 1950s and '60s. In such cases, one asserts a right or privilege without regard to the law, and compels the legislature, police, and judiciary to enforce it.
Another example is when laws look like they protect the rich and the wealthy at the cost of the poor and disadvantaged. In these situations, a good person might need to break the law in the pursuit of what’s right. This is especially true if it is absolutely necessary, and if the consequences have been properly weighed.
Ultimately, the reasons for law-breaking are down to the individual breaking the law. However, it is important to note that arguments for the duty to obey laws have significant gaps, and moral duty can override legal obligations.
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Eliminating inequalities
Laws are based on societal morals, and anyone who chooses to break them is using their individual morals to justify their actions. Therefore, the reasons for law-breaking are ultimately down to the person breaking the law.
One reason for breaking the law is to eliminate inequalities based on race. This is morally justifiable if it is absolutely necessary and if the consequences have been properly weighed.
Another reason is to raise consciousness about civil rights conflicts. This involves publicly breaking the law to engage the attention of other citizens, with the goal of creating public outrage over an injustice. This tactic was commonly used by Martin Luther King Jr and other protestors in the 1950s and '60s.
Laws can be influenced by various factors and are not always morally right. For example, they may protect the rich and wealthy at the expense of the poor and disadvantaged. In such cases, it can be morally right, and even indicated, for a good person to break the law in the pursuit of what is right.
Ultimately, individuals are called to make their own moral decisions, which is a fundamental part of being human. Moral duty overrides legal obligations.
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Questioning laws
For example, when a law is explicitly targeted to oppress or harm a group, there is an incentive for individuals to publicly break the law to engage the attention of other citizens, with the goal of creating public outrage over the injustice. This is a common tactic in civil rights conflicts, stemming from Martin Luther King Jr and other protestors in the 1950s and '60s.
Another example is when a law feels unjust, such as when it protects the rich and wealthy at the cost of the poor and disadvantaged. In these situations, a good person might need to break the law in the pursuit of what is right, such as eliminating inequalities based on race.
Ultimately, the reasons for law-breaking are down to the individual breaking the law. However, it is important to remember that moral duty overrides legal obligations, and we must judge laws on their moral merits.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, if it is absolutely necessary, and if the consequences have been properly weighed.
Yes, when a law is explicitly targeted to oppress or harm some group, there is an incentive for individuals to publicly break the law in order to engage the attention of other citizens, with the goal of creating public outrage over the injustice.
Yes, moral duty overrides legal obligations.
Yes, individuals are called to make their own moral decisions, which is a fundamental part of being human.





































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