Civil Disobedience and Natural Law Theory: The Montgomery Bus Boycott

This report examines the intersection of civil disobedience and natural law theory, using the Montgomery bus boycott as a central case study. It begins by outlining the historical context of the boycott, which was a protest against racial segregation in the public transport system. The report argues that the boycott exemplifies civil disobedience because it challenged unjust laws and policies that discriminated against African Americans. It then delves into the natural law theory, explaining how it supports the idea that all individuals are inherently equal, and that unjust laws should not be obeyed. The report uses the works of various scholars to analyze the boycott in light of natural law, concluding that the boycott was a justifiable act of civil disobedience because it fought for equality and human rights. The report also highlights the significance of civil disobedience as a tool for achieving social and political change, advocating for equality, and promoting inclusive decision-making processes.

Civil Disobedience in Society and natural law theory
Shumetra Jack
Purdue University
March, 2019

Montgomery bus boycott
This was a social and political protest campaign aimed at fighting against racial segregation
policies especially in the public transport sector. This was initiated after Rosa Parks was
arrested for not surrendering her seat to an American white person, (Hawley, Hostetler &
Chandler 2017 ).

Why it amounts to civil disobedience.
The boycott fought segregation against African Americans. They did not allow to be
trumped upon based on skin color despite policies barring them to use facilities set aside
for the whites.
As a result, the protest became a tool for fighting injustice, (Konvitz, 2018).

Why it is justifiable under the natural law theory
The right for equality despite race, religion or gender is inherent in human nature and they
are naturally given by God as spearheaded by Thomas Aquinas. This relates to natural
rights concept.
The Montgomery bus boycott is thus justifiable because it fights for the recognition of
other races in an equal way, (Toth, 2017).

Disobedience and the natural law theory
When one disobeys an unjust law or policy, he or she promotes the use of the natural law
theory. It is common sense to do what is right, especially by treating all people equally,
(George, 2017).
As such, promoting racism is unjust and the policies supporting it must not be followed
because ‘an unjust law is no law’. As a result, this must not be followed. Those supporting
acts of segregation should also be sensitized by how unjust the law is hence not abiding by
the natural law theory.

Conclusion
In a nutshell, Civil disobedience is a tool that can be rightfully used to
fight for our rights, inclusion in the decision making processes in
government as well as seeking equality in all aspects of life. As stated
above, the natural law theory can be applied to cases of civil
disobedience

References
Toth, M., & Xidias, J. (2017). civil disobedience. Macat Library.
Konvitz, M. R. (2018). Conscience and civil disobedience in the Jewish
tradition. In Judaism and Human Rights (pp. 161-178). Routledge.