What does civil disobedience primarily advocate for?

Civil disobedience primarily advocates for nonviolent resistance to unjust laws. This concept is rooted in the belief that individuals have a moral responsibility to challenge laws and policies that they perceive as unethical or unjust. Historically, civil disobedience has been used as a strategy to promote social change and to draw attention to issues such as civil rights, environmental justice, and other forms of inequality.

By practicing civil disobedience, individuals often accept the legal consequences of their actions, demonstrating a commitment to their principles while seeking to encourage a broader dialogue about justice and fairness. This distinct emphasis on nonviolence differentiates civil disobedience from violent protest and outright disregard for legal authority, which would undermine the strategic goal of fostering social change through moral persuasion and public awareness.