Regarding our understanding of law, let us ask ourselves:
What is the definition of law?
What is the purpose of human laws in relation to the moral law as set forth by God?
Are there different kindns of law, and do they make conflicting demands upon human behavior?
How are conflicts between conscience and law to be resolved?
Introduction
Definition of law
a. Law is an ordinance of reason.
b. Law exists for the common good.
c. Laws are made by those who are responsible for the care of the community.
d. Laws must be officially promulgated.
Division and kinds of law
b. Natural law
c. Positive law
d. Evangelical or new law
Meaning and purpose of law
Just law
a. It must promote the common good.
b. The burden that the law imposes os society must reflect an "equality of proportion."
c. All use of authority is a share in God's authority.
Conflicts between conscience and law
Vocabulary: civil law, ecclesiastical law, eternal law, human law, immutability, law (just law), moral law, natural law, positive law, universality, unjust law.