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One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to…

“One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” quote by Martin Luther King, Jr
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““One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral 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.

People must obey just laws and disobey unjust ones, both legally and morally.

In simple terms: Follow fair laws; resist unfair ones.

Key Takeaway

Balance legal obedience with moral conscience.

Themes

ethics law civil disobedience justice morality

Mood

inspirational thought‑provoking

Type

historical ethical

When to use this quote

  • protests
  • court cases
  • community meetings
  • educational forums

Key Concepts

social contract non‑violent protest human rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is civil disobedience justified?
  • How to assess a law’s fairness?
A Different Perspective

Risk of legal repercussions.

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