Natural law is defined as which of the following?

• A. God's or nature's law that defines right from wrong and is higher than human law; discoverable by reason; universal; permanent; immutable; applicable everywhere
• B. A set of rules created by rulers that change with time
• C. A ceremonial code observed only by some societies
• D. A non-universal moral code

Answer: (A)

Natural law refers to moral principles that are universal, timeless, and knowable by human reason. It is considered to be higher than human-made laws and grounded either in nature or in God, guiding what is right or wrong everywhere at all times. The description that emphasizes a higher authority, discoverability by reason, and universal, permanent applicability captures this idea most accurately. In contrast, rules created by rulers can change with time; ceremonial codes may apply only to some societies; and a non-universal moral code fails to meet the universal, unchanging standard that natural law asserts.