Natural Law - An Overview
Natural law is a philosophical and legal theory that holds that there is a universal moral code that is inherent in nature and is independent of human laws, customs, and beliefs. It is believed to be the source of all moral and legal norms and to be universal, meaning that it applies to all people, at all times, and in all places.
Some examples of natural law principles include:
- The principle of non-aggression, which holds that it is wrong to initiate force or coercion against others, except in self-defense.
- The principle of equality, which holds that all individuals are equal in dignity and worth and should be treated with respect and fairness.
- The principle of justice, which holds that individuals should be treated justly and that society should be structured in a way that promotes fairness and equality.
Natural law theory has influenced legal systems and philosophical thinking for thousands of years and has been embraced by philosophers and theologians from various traditions, including Greek philosophers such as Aristotle, Roman philosophers such as Cicero, and Christian theologians such as Thomas Aquinas.
In the modern legal system, natural law theory has been influential in the development of common law, which is a system of law that is based on precedent and the principle of stare decisis (meaning "to stand by things decided"). Under common law, courts are bound by previous judicial decisions, which helps to create a consistent body of law that can be applied to new cases.
Overall, the theory of natural law holds that there are universal moral truths and principles that are inherent in the nature of things and that can be discovered through reason and observation. It is a powerful and influential theory that has shaped legal systems and philosophical thinking for centuries.
