Discussion Board Post

Part 1) This week you read Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”. In this article, he defines “unjust” and “just laws” by saying, “An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. This is difference made legal. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal” (King 811).

What law–or even just rule–can you think of that fits Dr. King’s definition of “unjust” laws? It could be a federal, state, or local law, or it could be a rule or regulation related to some aspect of your life: school, work, commerce, housing, health care, travel, public safety, etc. Describe the law, say why you think it is unjust (according to Dr. King’s definition), and show how this law affects your life. Write about 150 words. (15 points)

Part 2) Respond to one other student’s post about an unjust law by:

1) Summarizing what that student said about an unjust law (2 points).

2) Giving with your opinion on the student’s idea about an unjust law (2 points).

3) Asking a question about that student’s idea about an unjust law (1 point).

Write about 50 words total in your response.

200-250 Word Count

Solution Preview

Unjust Laws

According to Martin Luther King, an unjust law is a regulation that the majority compels minority groups to obey even though it does not make any binding on itself. Thus, the United States legal drinking age is both unjust and unconstitutional. According to the U.S. laws, a person is allowed to consume alcohol at the age of 21. This is despite the fact that a person is allowed considered an adult when he or she turns 18.

(289 words)