Monday, December 8, 2008

unit 2, assignment 7

WHEN BREAKING THE LAW IS JUSTIFIED


There are several sources of law making. Our congress makes laws. Our state legislatures make laws, and our local governments make laws. If a law conflicts with the laws that have been created by our congress those laws have the most power. Laws are enforced by our court system.
During the civil rights movement, in certain parts of the country laws were created to keep different groups of citizens separated. Those laws were called “Jim Crow”. African Americans were not allowed to vote, they were not allowed to live in certain areas; they were not allowed to enjoy the simple pleasure of life. For example: There were restaurants that they could not eat in and there were other places were they were not allowed.
Since the laws were created to keep the races separated, African Americans broke the law on many occasions seeking equal opportunities. They formed sit-ins, protest marches, as well as boycotts to try and get the lawmakers to change the laws. They broke plenty of laws, but it was for all the right reasons.
Unjust laws even affected the Native Americans. Their land was taken away, and they were sent to live on reservations. In some states they were not allowed to leave the reservations. They could not mingle with the rest of the population. There were unjust laws that affected Jews in some countries as well. Laws that are unjust and cause harm to any person can justifiably be broken. Basic rights should be given to all citizens. Those rights are liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If those laws aren’t met, then the laws should be changed.

1 comment:

carrie said...

Great examples from more recent U.S. History. Your last 4 sentences make a strong argument for breaking the law. Missing the part of the essay where you discuss why the American colonists broke away from the British and whether or not you felt they were justified.

Quite an improvement from the first attempt and well written. As is 41/50 points.