The Evolution of Natural Law

Handbook (chapter)


Crowe, Jonathan. 2024. "The Evolution of Natural Law." Załuski, Wojciech, Bourgeois-Gironde, Sacha and Dyrda, Adam (ed.) Research Handbook on Legal Evolution. United Kingdom. Edward Elgar Publishing. pp. 396-403
Chapter Title

The Evolution of Natural Law

Book Chapter CategoryHandbook (chapter)
ERA Publisher ID1811
Book TitleResearch Handbook on Legal Evolution
AuthorsCrowe, Jonathan
EditorsZałuski, Wojciech, Bourgeois-Gironde, Sacha and Dyrda, Adam
Page Range396-403
SeriesResearch Handbooks in Legal Theory series
Chapter Number25
Number of Pages8
Year2024
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISBN9781803921822
9781803921815
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.4337/9781803921822.00039
Web Address (URL)https://www.elgaronline.com/edcollchap/book/9781803921822/book-part-9781803921822-39.xml
Abstract

This chapter examines the evolution of natural law - not natural law ideas or theories, but natural law itself. The chapter begins by exploring how the normative inclinations by which humans identify the content of natural law are shaped and guided by social circumstances and practices. It then discusses two specific mechanisms by which social expressions of natural law evolve: communal norms and value commitments. I argue that these processes play a central role in the development of natural law and should be recognised as such within natural law theories.

Keywordsnatural law
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020480410. Legal theory, jurisprudence and legal interpretation
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Byline AffiliationsSchool of Law and Justice
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