What is the practice of opposing an unjust law through peaceful disobedience called?

The practice of opposing an unjust law through peaceful disobedience is known as civil disobedience. This concept involves individuals or groups intentionally breaking certain laws or regulations that they believe are immoral or unjust, while accepting the consequences of their actions. Civil disobedience is rooted in the belief that laws should be based on justice and ethical considerations, and it aims to bring about social or political change through nonviolent means. This method has been historically significant, with notable figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. using it to advocate for civil rights and social justice.

In contrast, while protest, revolt, and non-violent resistance can involve similar themes of challenging authority or injustice, they do not inherently emphasize the aspect of willingly accepting the consequences of one's actions against specific laws as civil disobedience does. Protests can vary widely in methods and may not always involve breaking laws, while revolt often implies a more aggressive or violent conflict against established authority. Non-violent resistance shares similarities with civil disobedience but may encompass a broader range of nonviolent actions beyond the explicit act of breaking laws.