“…i submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law” what is the intent of this

It seems that the writer is expressing their opinion, trying to get others to understand and maybe even believe their opinion as well. It appears to be an unpopular opinion, and they're backing it up with some pretty sound reasoning. The writer's intent might be to make people think, and consider their point of view.