ethics

What is civil disobedience?

It is the act of bringing awareness to illegal actions, prioritizing morals and conscience over unjust laws.

What is the Original Position?

It is a concept where justice is fairness that ensures fair judgment for society.

Who was John Rawls?

A philosopher who believed justice is achieved through fairness and equality of opportunity.

What happened to Joshua DeShaney?

He was a victim of abuse from his father and slipped through the cracks of due process.

How did Socrates die?

He committed suicide after being wrongfully convicted, choosing to face his punishment.

What is the social contract?

It is the agreement where individuals surrender natural freedoms in exchange for government protection.

Who painted The Death of Socrates?

Jacques-Louis David.

Who are the characters in The Death of Socrates?

Crito, Socrates, Socrates' wife, Plato, and his followers.

How does Thoreau define good government?

A government that allows for moral law and is minimal in regulating people's lives.

What was Thoreau protesting?

He protested against America's actions in the Mexican War and slavery.

What does Thoreau say is the job of a citizen?

To live morally, consciously, and honestly.

According to Socrates, who should determine justice?

Experts in the field or philosopher kings.

Why does Socrates accept his sentence?

He believes in facing his punishment for breaking the law.

What does Martin Luther King Jr. say are the elements of a 'just' law?

Moral law and equality for all.

Why is King disappointed in the white moderate?

Because they prefer order over justice.

What is judicial activism?

It is the practice of advancing social goals by interpreting the law to adapt to a changing world.

What is judicial restraint?

It is when judges limit their power to only act when a problem directly violates the constitution.

What do the judges believe in the case of the grudge informers?

1. They cannot be punished as they acted under enforced law. 2. Their government was lawless, so should be disregarded. 3. Each person should be investigated for lawbreaking. 4. New laws should be created for prosecution. 5. Courts cannot judge a past regime, so they should be let go.

What is an ex post facto law?

It criminalizes actions that were legal after they were committed.

What is meant by positive law?

Laws created by humans.

What is natural law?

The law of God and moral truth.

What was at issue in Walker v. Birmingham?

The right of civil rights protestors to use freedom of speech to protest.

What was the Court's primary concern in Walker v. Birmingham?

That civil rights leaders should have followed legal procedures and not ignored the injunction.

What was the most important issue in DeShaney v. Winnebago?

The due process clause of the 14th amendment to prevent state abuse.

What is substantive due process?

It allows courts to protect fundamental rights.

What is procedural due process?

Government actors must follow established procedures before depriving individuals of life, liberty, or property.

What does John Rawls mean by the 'veil of ignorance'?

It means forgetting one's identity when making laws to ensure fairness.

According to Rawls, laws should favor which strata of society?

The less advantaged members of society.