What is 'natural law'?

Natural law is a philosophical concept that suggests there are inherent moral laws and principles that govern human behavior, which are universal and can be understood through reason. It is often described as a set of unwritten rules that all people should follow, based on what is considered inherently right or just, rather than being dictated by specific legislation or government authority.

This understanding aligns with the nature of natural law as it posits that there exist fundamental rights and moral standards that transcend written laws and societal norms, which are universally applicable. Hence, the notion of unwritten rules followed by citizens reflects the essence of natural law, recognizing that people's sense of morality can guide their actions in ways that adhere to a higher standard of justice.

In contrast, the other choices focus on laws that are either codified (written laws in legal codes or types of statutory law) or are solely the product of governmental enforcement (rules enforced only by government), which don't capture the foundational and moral aspect of natural law philosophy.