When is it justifiable for protesters and activists to break the law for the sake of their cause?

Answer 1

"Justifiable" how?
I mean.. they still go to jail just like everyone else...

Answer 2

It is not justified to break the law just because you disagree with it. If you are in a Democratic country, there are ways to have unjust laws reviewed and change to be just and fair.

In Canada, USA, Britain and many other democratic countries you can lobby, protest, etc to have unjust laws changed.

There are some rules you must follow or you will ebd up on the wrong side of the law.

If you think you are supporting a just cause, do your own research on the organizers, policies, reasons for the cause, actions they have taken - are taking - and will be taking.

Make sure you do honest, open minded, unbiased research. Do not take their answers as being 100% truthful. Find the facts out for yourself.

Read the pro's and con's on the cause. Find out how it originated and is it still on the same track as it was when it started.

Remember, do your own research, get your own facts from people who are not connected with the cause; and MOST of ALL

MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND - DO NOT LET SOME ELSE DO IT FOR YOU.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

That question is the one main key to civil disobedience!
And of course there is no simple answer.
Probably 99/100 times it happens it is not justified, even if those activists believe it is the right thing to do, but the other 1/100 (Rosa Parks for example) precipitate real legitimate change and become part of history, but not until much later.
How to tell the difference at the time? You can't.

Answer 4

Never. Breaking the law is justified only when there is an immediate risk of harm from failing to do so. Most activists do not act out of any true moral justification, but as an expression of their own selfish arrogance. The are contemptible.

Answer 5

When rights are already violated and the government is too oppressive, the activists can already stage a revolution and it is a valid exercise to protect the sovereign rights.

Answer 6

well fredom of spech is great and has done a lot for this country at least the citizens can voice there views with out getting shot.but there is always a lot of abuse too.and they have to break the law at times to get heard.the law is for the people not some one with power to run things.

Answer 7

In the Bill of Rights, we are guaranteed the right to "peaceablly assemble." So, when that protest decides to break the peaceablly portion then they have chosen to waive all rights and are then looked upon as criminals.
It is only justifiable, in my opinion, if the person is ready and willing to do the time for their crime.

Answer 8

Whenever they feel that the law is breaking a higher moral law, such as if they feel strip-searching only one ethnic group in prison is discrimination, and that discrimination goes against a higher moral law of all persons being equal in the eyes of the law.

Answer 9

It's not ever "justifiable" - they just think it is. A criminal is a criminal - it doesn't matter if you're carrying a protest sign or a gun if you have no respect for the law.

Answer 10

For extreme issues that are corrupting our world. Like Racism, Animal Cruelty, Hate Crimes of all sorts, we need more peace!!! IT IS 2007 FOR GOODNESS SAKES!!!!!!!!

Answer 11

never.....fair enough to protest....but the law is the law....
nobody should have their person abused because of what they believe in. Protesters who break the law are criminals. They should be treated as such!!!