Natural Law Theory Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Natural Law Theory?

Natural Law Theory is a legal and ethical theory that states that human laws must be based on a set of universal, god-given moral principles. Natural Law Theory is often associated with traditional Judeo-Christian values and the belief in an absolute truth or moral order. Proponents of Natural Law Theory argue that all laws should be based on these universal principles, as they believe that any other source of law would be subjective and could lead to arbitrary decisions.One of the main arguments for Natural Law Theory is its claim to universality: by basing laws on a set of universal, divinely inspired principles, it allows for consistency across different societies and times. This consistency can give people confidence in the justice system and prevent biased decisions from being made based on variable standards or community values. Additionally, proponents argue that because these principles are seen as coming from an omnipotent higher power, they will also be seen as more authoritative than any man-made rules or regulations. This has led some to suggest that Natural Law Theory could provide common ground between different religions when it comes to discussing law and morality. However, opponents of Natural Law Theory point out its reliance on religious beliefs which can lead to exclusionary practices by privileging certain groups over others who do not share those same beliefs. Additionally, it does not account for changing social norms or conditions; what may have been accepted centuries ago may now no longer align with current values and thus lead to outdated rulings being made in courtrooms today.