Which type of law is characterized by moral, religious, or philosophical grounds?

Natural law is characterized by moral, religious, or philosophical grounds because it is based on the idea that certain rights and moral values are inherent in human nature and can be understood through reason. This concept posits that these fundamental principles exist independently of enacted laws, meaning that there are universal truths that should guide legal systems and human conduct. Natural law holds that human beings possess certain rights simply by being human, which are not created by legislation or societal norms.

In contrast, positive law refers to the actual laws that are enacted by governmental authorities, reflecting societal norms and accepted practices rather than universal moral standards. Civil law, in a legal context, deals with disputes between private parties and is characterized more by its statutory regulations than by underlying moral principles. International law governs the relationships between countries and is shaped by treaties and agreements rather than moral philosophy.

The distinction between natural law and these other forms of law highlights the foundational beliefs about morality and rights that influence legal systems. Understanding natural law's emphasis on moral imperatives provides important insight into the development of legal concepts and the ethical considerations that may influence legislation and judicial decisions.