Full Answer
What is civil disobedience and why is it controversial?
It is a nonviolent action engaged in by an individual who refuses to obey a law for moral or philosophical reasons. The participants in civil disobedience willfully and openly refuse to comply with a law in order to dramatize the issue that they, or the group, find unjust.
Is civil disobedience a moral right?
Civil disobedience is a moral obligation and for those who care about their country, this obligation sometimes takes on the shape of a sacred duty. Its practice is affirmative to change, to the teachings of Thoreau, Gandhi, and King, and to America’s future as a democracy and not a billionaire’s paradise or golf course!
Why is civil disobedience not morally justified?
Why is civil disobedience not morally justified? Such people concede that disobedience to the law can sometimes be legitimate and necessary under a despotic regime. They argue, however, that civil disobedience can never be justified in a democratic society, because such a society provides its members with legal instruments for the redress of their grievances.
Is there a difference between civil disobedience and rioting?
Civil disobedience is spitting at cops, etc. Rioting is verbally working a crowd up to throw bottles, etc. at police and destroying autos and setting fires. Looting is looting. Anymore stupid questions or posts you need answered should go to another site where the folks like more of your type.
Is civil disobedience OK?
Its primary finding may be summarized in this lesson: Civil disobedience is justifiable but dangerous. It is justifiable, where circumstances warrant, by the first principles of the American republic and of free, constitutional government, and it is dangerous in that it poses a threat to the rule of law.
Is civil disobedience ever an appropriate form of protest?
Although some scholars argue that direct civil disobedience is preferable to its indirect counterpart because it is most clearly legible as an act of protest against the law breached (C.
Under what circumstances is civil disobedience justified?
Civil disobedience is always justified by the people participating in the disobeying for the simple reason that they will always believe in what they are doing. However, from an outside perspective, the justifications are analyzed through the values of the individual, organization or government.
Why is civil disobedience a good thing?
Civil disobedience provides a check against totalitarianism by showing that citizens won't follow unjust laws and that there are limits to the use of discipline.
Why civil disobedience should not be justified?
Such people concede that disobedience to the law can sometimes be legitimate and necessary under a despotic regime. They argue, however, that civil disobedience can never be justified in a democratic society, because such a society provides its members with legal instruments for the redress of their grievances.
What is a good example of civil disobedience?
Among the most notable civil disobedience events in the U.S. occurred when Parks refused to move on the bus when a white man tried to take her seat. Although 15-year-old Claudette Colvin had done the same thing nine months earlier, Parks' action led directly to the Montgomery bus boycott.
When Should civil disobedience be used?
A person is morally justified, perhaps even morally bound, to call for civil disobedience when a democratic government does things that explicitly undermine those principles the democracy was established to protect and support.
How does civil disobedience differ from a protest?
How does civil disobedience differ from a protest? Civil disobedience involves intentionally breaking a law; a protest involves intentionally getting attention from the media.
Does civil disobedience have to be peaceful?
Black's Law Dictionary includes nonviolence in its definition of civil disobedience. Christian Bay's encyclopedia article states that civil disobedience requires "carefully chosen and legitimate means", but holds that they do not have to be non-violent.
Is civil disobedience peaceful?
Civil disobedience can be defined as refusing to obey a law, a regulation or a power judged unjust in a peaceful manner. Civil disobedience is, therefore, a form of resistance without violence.
Was civil disobedience movement successful?
The Civil Disobedience Movement was not successful. But it prepared the people of India for great sacrifice. It was a good training for the people. Unlike the Non-cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement increased the popularity of the Congress.
When did Thoreau give his lecture on civil disobedience?
In 1848 he delivered the lecture that would become known as Thoreau’s masterpiece, “On Civil Disobedience.”
Who called for civil disobedience in Gaza?
Knesset Member Aryeh Eldad called for mass civil disobedience again the Gaza disengagement plan last week. I have no doubt Eldad sees the evacuation of settlers from their homes as a desecration, and he opposes the disengagement with all his heart and soul. But does the disengagement plan warrant civil disobedience? I should point out that according to Israeli law, the Gaza Strip is occupied territory. It is governed by a military administration. Israeli law and justice has never been applied to the Strip (as it was to eastern Jerusalem and the Golan Heights). Since when is pulling out of occupied territory a lethal strike at democratic principles? Does pulling out of Gaza strike a blow to the principle of equality? To individual liberty? Mr. Eldad is employing a principle that simply has no place in this context. If the lofty ideals of democracy were truly in the hearts of those opposed to withdrawal, they would call on their black-hatted brothers currently sitting in yeshivot to join the army, or they would get out and demonstrate against inequality between Jews and Arab in this country. So the next time withdrawal opponents come looking to brandish the “democratic” stick to call for civil disobedience, or to claim that evacuating settlements is not “democratic," tell them they are not ones to preach.
Is it morally justified to call for civil disobedience?
Breaking the law. In the two incidents mentioned above, the answer would seem simple. A person is morally justified, perhaps even morally bound, to call for civil disobedience when a democratic government does things that explicitly undermine those principles the democracy was established to protect and support.
Why is civil disobedience important?
Civil disobedience works to ensure fairness for each person. There will always be people who disobey civilly because it is “fun” or it “gives them a thrill.”. Those who engage in such an action don’t believe in the abolishment of laws or the granting of special exceptions for some people.
How has civil disobedience helped the world?
Over the years, acts of civil disobedience have helped to shape how the world perceives religion and spirituality. Acts by Christian business owners, for example, refusing to offer baked goods or catering services to those that live an “alternative lifestyle” offer a recent example of what decisions like this can do.
What happens if you disobey the laws of the government?
Whenever someone chooses to disobey the laws of the government, either they or someone who gets in their way will be hurt physically, emotionally, or financially. It then becomes up to history to determine who stood in the correct moral position.
What does it mean to be disobedient?
Instead of permitting other people to pursue their own priorities with whatever freedoms are permitted, being disobedient on a civil level tells others that they are wrong and those participating are in the right. 2.
Why do people seek out excuses for peaceful protests?
People seek out excuses for the response to peaceful protest because they don’t want their lives to become uncomfortable. Authentic actions of civil disobedience eventually create evidence of the social injustices which exist in society. It’s up to the rest of the population to then decide which side they’ll support.
How many presidents have served in the White House?
Since 1920, there have been 18 different presidents who served the United States in the White House. Each came and went, history judging some to be better than others. Throughout that time, the movements of civil disobedience have always remained present in society.
Why should everyone have a fair trial?
A U.S. perspective might be that everyone should receive a fair trial, and all rights of due process, because the Bill of Rights guarantees that should happen. If a government body attempts to refuse those rights, then acts of civil disobedience can help to restore balance to the system. 6.
What is the view of civil disobedience?
There are at least three general positions on the matter of civil disobedience. The anarchist view says that a person can choose to disobey the government whenever he likes and whenever he feels he is personally justified in doing so.
Which chapter does Daniel refuse to bow down to the golden idol?
The first is found in chapter 3 where Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to the golden idol in disobedience to King Nebuchadnezzar’s command. The second is in chapter 6 where Daniel defies King Darius’ decree to not pray to anyone other than the king.
Why did Obadiah hide the prophets?
When the queen Jezebel was killing God’s prophets, Obadiah took a hundred of them and hid them from her so they could live. Such an act was in clear defiance of the ruling authority’s wishes. In 2 Kings, the only apparently approved revolt against a reigning government official is recorded.
Who fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their?
In his writings, the Roman senator and historian Tacitus recorded, “To get rid of the report [that he had started the fire], Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace” ( Annals, XV).
What does Paul say about the government?
Moreover, he states that no authority exists other than that established by God, and that rulers are serving God in their political office.
When citizens are under the oppression of a public authority which oversteps its competence, should they still not?
When citizens are under the oppression of a public authority which oversteps its competence, they should still not refuse to give or to do what is objectively demanded of them by the common good; but it is legitimate for them to defend their own rights and those of their fellow citizens against the abuse of this authority within the limits of the natural law and the law of the gospel. (2242)
When circumstances justify acting outside the law, are we justified in committing acts of violence?
Secondly, when circumstances justify acting outside the law, we are never justified in committing acts of violence or otherwise violating human rights. Moreover, in judging whether circumstances for civil disobedience prevail, we have to exercise the virtue of prudence and always seek the guidance of others so that we do not rely solely on our own judgment.
What happens if you don't hearken to the voice of the Lord?
But if you will not hearken to the voice of the Lord and rebel against the commandment of the Lord , then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king. (1 Sm 12:12b-15) A hierarchy is established: The people obey the king. The people and the king obey the Lord.
Why do midwives fear God?
It is precisely from obedience to God—to whom alone is due that fear which is acknowledgment of his absolute sovereignty—that the strength and the courage to resist unjust human laws are born.
What would you do if a law were passed in our country outlawing attendance at Mass?
What would you do? Certainly campaigns would be launched to change the law, to challenge the law in court, and to elect new leaders who would reject such a law.
Does the Church say yes to the state?
First, the Church says a profound yes to the state, and this is rooted in a very simple fact: All authority, all power, comes from God. Therefore obeying earthly, civil authority becomes part of our obedience to God. Scripture is filled with examples of this.
What is civil disobedience?
Civil disobedience is an effort to change the law by making it impossible to enforce the law, or by making the price of such enforcement extremely high. It is a case, as it were, of holding the legal system to ransom.
What is the most important function of civil disobedience?
They remind us that the man who obeys the law has as much of an obligation to look into the morality of his acts and the rationality of his society as does the man who breaks the law.
What are the goals of those who disobey the law?
In sum, the goals of those who disobey the law have to lie at the very heart of what we regard as morality before we can say that they have a moral right to do what they are doing.
Why are groups like supporters of the Congress of Racial Equality condemned?
Such groups are often condemned for risking disorder and for spreading disrespect for the law when, so it is maintained, they could accomplish their goals a great deal more fairly and patriotically by staying within the law, and confining themselves to the courts and to methods of peaceful persuasion.
What are the rights and powers of a democracy?
In accordance with democratic ideals, the laws of a democracy may give rights and powers to individuals which, in theory, enable them to work legally for the elimination of injustices. In actual fact, however, these rights and powers may be empty.
Is moral right against the law?
It has to be a moral right against the law. And this moral right is not an unlimited right to disobey any law which one regards as unjust. It is a right that is hedged about, it seems to me, with important restrictions. FIRST of all, the exercise of this right is subject to standards of just and fair behavior.
Is it legal to break the law?
In short, if anybody ever has a right to break the law, this cannot be a legal right under the law. It has to be a moral right against the law. And this moral right is not an unlimited right to disobey any law which one regards as unjust. It is a right that is hedged about, it seems to me, with important restrictions.
