Choose a topic from Part 2A:

95. Human Law

1. Man has an aptitude for virtue, but, since the fall, he hasalso a strong inclination to inordinate pleasure and a proneness toevil. Man requires training, especially when he is young, so thathe may avoid evil. And men who are evil need to be restrained. Bothhelpful training and suitable restraints must deal in some detailwith human actions. Hence, to promote the application andfulfillment of the natural law, human laws are framed.

2. True human laws are rooted in the natural law, for theyare derived from it, and they seek to apply it in specialsituations.

3. St. Isidore lists the qualities of human positive laws(that is, laws set forth in positive enactments of government) asfollows: "Law shall be virtuous, just, possible to nature,according to the customs of a country, suitable in place and time,necessary, useful, clearly expressed, framed for no private benefitbut for the common good of the people."

4. Human law as a reasoned general conclusion orderivation from the natural law appears in "the law ofnations" or international law. As applied in varioussituations within each nation, human law is called civillaw.

"God gives us some things, as the beginning of faith, even when we do not pray. Other things, such as perseverance, he has only provided for those who pray."
St Augustine

* * *

"If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel."
Thomas á Kempis

* * *

"It is vanity to be concerned with the present only and not to make provision for things to come."
Thomas á Kempis

* * *