CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES ON NATURAL LAW: INTEGRATING CLASSICAL THEORIES WITH MODERN JURISPRUDENCE
), Godwin Emmanuel Oyedokun(2), Oyepeju Ayomide Ojebode(3), Wasiu Adeyemo Babalola(4),
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Abstract
The theory of natural law has shaped legal philosophy and practice for millennia, influencing the development of legal systems, human rights frameworks, and constitutional interpretation. From the classical teachings of Aristotle and Aquinas to the modern interpretations offered by Lon Fuller and John Finnis, natural law theory has consistently argued for a moral foundation underpinning legal norms. In contemporary legal thought, the tension between natural law and legal positivism remains a defining discourse. This paper critically examines the evolution and relevance of natural law in the 21st century, exploring its application to constitutionalism, human rights, judicial reasoning, and global governance challenges such as climate change and technological innovation. Utilizing a doctrinal research methodology, the article draws on primary sources including judicial decisions, constitutional texts, and international legal instruments, alongside secondary materials from academic books, journals, and commentaries. Through comparative
Keywords
Constitutionalism, Comparative jurisprudence, Judicial reasoning, Legal positivism and interpretation, Natural law, Legal theory
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