What is "civil disobedience" in relation to the law?

Civil disobedience is defined as the practice of deliberately breaking certain laws, regulations, or commands of a government or occupying power, typically as a form of protest against perceived injustices. This concept is rooted in the belief that individuals have a moral responsibility to oppose laws and policies that they consider to be unjust or unethical.

When one engages in civil disobedience, they are often highlighting issues such as inequality, discrimination, or other injustices that exist within legal frameworks. This act is usually characterized by nonviolent protest, aimed at raising awareness and prompting change rather than causing harm or chaos.

The other options discuss various forms of legal adherence or advocacy but do not capture the essence of civil disobedience, which fundamentally involves the conscious choice to break a law as a statement of dissent against that law's legitimacy or moral standing.