Civil Disobedience Theory

Civil disobedience theory is the idea that individuals have a moral right—and sometimes a duty—to peacefully break unjust laws to challenge and change them. It emphasizes nonviolent resistance, such as protests or sit-ins, to oppose laws or policies seen as unfair or unethical. This approach relies on personal conscience and the willingness to accept legal consequences, aiming to promote social justice and moral progress. Key figures like Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King Jr. have championed this concept, highlighting its role in fostering positive societal change through principled, nonviolent action.