Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

What is a key feature of the concept of Natural Law?

1. It requires royal decree to define illegal actions.

2. It states that moral principles govern legal interpretations.

3. It is subject to change with societal norms.

4. It must be written down to be enforceable.

The correct answer is: It states that moral principles govern legal interpretations.

A key feature of Natural Law is that it posits that there are inherent moral principles that govern legal interpretations and are universal in nature. This theory suggests that laws should reflect these moral truths, and that justice is rooted in something beyond mere legislative enactments or societal norms. According to Natural Law thinkers, the authority of law derives from its alignment with moral values, meaning that a law is valid only if it is rooted in ethical precepts. This concept contrasts sharply with views that advocate for legal positivism or those that argue that law is merely a product of societal norms or decrees from authority figures. Thus, the assertion that moral principles guide legal interpretations is essential to understanding the foundational philosophy of Natural Law. Rather than being contingent on formal documentation or societal approval, Natural Law emphasizes the pre-existence of moral order that transcends individual legal systems.