Civil disobedience refers to the active, nonviolent refusal to obey certain laws or commands of a government, typically to protest against policies perceived as unjust. It is often justified in political contexts as a means of highlighting moral opposition to laws that infringe upon human rights or social justice. Prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi have advocated for civil disobedience as a catalyst for change. This tactic seeks to draw public attention and provoke dialogue, ultimately aiming to inspire reform within the legal and political systems.