What does natural law theory propose about the relationship between law and morality?

Natural law theory posits that there is an intrinsic connection between law and morality. It asserts that laws should be based on moral principles, suggesting that a law that is unjust or immorally conceived is not a true law at all. This theory is grounded in the belief that there are universal moral standards that should inform legal systems, and thus the law should actively enforce moral values to guide ethical behavior in society.

In the context of this perspective, many philosophers who subscribe to natural law argue that legal systems should reflect and promote moral truths. For example, laws against theft, murder, and deception are seen as reflections of natural moral principles. When a legal system fails to uphold these principles, it may be considered flawed or illegitimate from the standpoint of natural law.

Other options do not accurately represent the relationship described by natural law theory. Emphasizing economic efficiency or stating that law is separate from ethics diverges from the fundamental precepts of natural law, as does the notion that the law must adapt ceaselessly without a moral framework. Thus, the assertion that the law should enforce moral values aptly encapsulates the essence of natural law theory.