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In any civilized society, it is every citizen's…

“In any civilized society, it is every citizen's responsibility to obey just laws. But at the same time, it is every citizen's responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” quote by Martin Luther King, Jr
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“In any civilized society, it is every citizen's responsibility to obey just laws. But at the same time, it is every citizen's responsibility to disobey unjust laws.”

Martin Luther King, Jr

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Citizens must obey laws that are just, but also have a moral duty to resist unjust laws.

In simple terms: Obey fair laws, resist unfair ones.

Key Takeaway

Stand up against injustice while respecting lawful order.

Themes

justice civil disobedience responsibility

Mood

inspirational serious

Type

historical political

When to use this quote

  • protest movements
  • legal reform
  • community activism
  • education campaigns

Key Concepts

moral law ethical duty

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is civil disobedience justified?
  • How do you discern a law’s justice?
A Different Perspective

Balancing obedience and resistance can be socially destabilizing.

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