Define Natural Law.

Natural law is a philosophical and legal concept that posits the existence of a set of universal, inherent principles governing morality, justice, and human conduct. Rooted in ancient philosophical traditions, natural law suggests that these principles are derived from nature and reason, providing a foundation for ethical and legal norms that transcend cultural, social, or legal conventions.

The idea of natural law has historical roots in the works of thinkers like Aristotle, who argued for a moral order inherent in the nature of things. It gained prominence in the medieval period through the works of scholars like Thomas Aquinas, who integrated natural law into Christian theology.

In the realm of legal philosophy, natural law contends that just laws are derived from a higher, transcendent source, and human-made laws should align with these inherent principles to be considered valid. This perspective implies a moral duty to adhere to these universal principles, fostering notions of justice and human rights that transcend specific legal systems.

While interpretations and applications of natural law have varied across cultures and philosophical traditions, the core idea remains that ethical and legal principles are discoverable through reason and contemplation of the natural order, providing a basis for understanding and evaluating the rightness or wrongness of human actions and legal systems.