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Civil Disobedience : An Important Part Of Society

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Civil Disobedience in Democratic Society
On December 1st, 1955 a 42 year old African American woman named Rosa Parks boarded a bus in Montgomery and refused to give up her seat to a white passenger after the whites-only section was filled. This is one of the most prominent examples of civil disobedience in history, as Rosa Parks’ refusal and arrest for her actions were in her own best interest as well as the interests of other people and against the segregation laws at the time; however, the black segregation laws were not morally nor ethically correct. Society has evolved since the times of black segregation; however, civil disobedience still remains an important part of society today, as it is brought up in many political issues, debates and events that affect all people around the world. However, it should only be used when necessary and in the right context, or justifiable. Civil disobedience is only justified when it is used peacefully against unethical and immoral laws; however, it can be prevented using democracy and ethical lawmaking.

Civil disobedience has been used throughout history to try and change societal parameters and governmental rules. Henry David Thoreau coined the term ‘civil disobedience’ in 1848 to describe his refusal to pay the mandatory state poll tax implemented by the American government to fund the war. John Rawls later redefined civil disobedience as a “politically motivated, non-violent and conscientious breach of law undertaken with the aim

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