Natural law is characterized by which of the following attributes?

• A. God's or nature's law that defines right from wrong and is higher than human law; universal; permanent; immutable; applicable everywhere
• B. A law that changes with time
• C. A political ideology
• D. A ritual code

Answer: (A)

Natural law is the idea that there is a universal moral order, grounded in God or in nature, that defines right from wrong and stands above human-made laws. Because this moral order is universal, it applies everywhere and to everyone, at all times. It is considered permanent and immutable, meaning it doesn’t change with changing cultures or political systems, and human laws should align with it rather than contradict it.

This description highlights why natural law is seen as higher than human law and why it’s universal, permanent, and applicable everywhere. It’s not about changing rules for different eras, nor is it a political ideology or a ritual code. A political ideology is a system for organizing society, while a ritual code governs practices and ceremonies; neither captures the idea of an eternal moral standard that governs how all people ought to act.