Introduction
Natural law is a theory in ethics and philosophy that says that human beings possess intrinsic values that govern their reasoning and behavior. Natural law maintains that these rules of right and wrong are inherent in people and are not created by society or judges. This is in contrast to what is called “positive law” or “human law,” which is defined by statute and common law and may or may not reflect the natural law.[1] Unlike those laws enacted by governments to address specific needs or behaviors, natural law is universal, applying to everyone, everywhere, in the same way.[1]
The prohibition of murder is a clear example of natural law. This law, unlike some civil or criminal laws, is universally accepted and understood without the need for formal legislation. It is inherently understood, for example, that taking another human life unjustly is morally wrong.