What is civil disobedience?

Civil disobedience refers to the act of intentionally breaking a law or refusing to comply with it as a form of passive resistance to protest against perceived injustices within those laws. This approach is characterized by its peaceful nature; individuals who engage in civil disobedience do so with the understanding that they may face legal consequences for their actions, including arrest or fines. The key aspect of civil disobedience is its commitment to non-violence and moral reasoning, aiming to bring attention to issues and provoke change in a lawful manner.

In contrast to the other options, a violent protest signifies a complete departure from peaceful methods, while a radical uprising is typically more aggressive and confrontational. A structured legal challenge in court employs the formal legal system rather than public protest, focusing on overturning laws through judicial means rather than disobeying them. Thus, the essence of civil disobedience lies in its non-violent approach to advocating for change through the willing acceptance of the consequences of disobeying the law.