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The nature of law: morality and civil law

The nature of law

Morality and criminal law

Sally Russell looks at the concept of law and morals using examples from criminal law

Many crimes have a moral element, especially offences against the person. The natural law view believes the law should reflect morality and respects the sanctity of life. Laws against murder and manslaughter promote morality, and many homicide cases illustrate the law enforcing morality.

Killing is seen as both morally and legally wrong, but there is a problematic relationship between law and morals in euthanasia and assisted suicide cases. Euthanasia is potentially murder because there is intention to kill, and the debates about euthanasia and assisted dying illustrate that there is no shared morality.

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Previous

The Supreme Court: what you need to know

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The nature of law: morality and civil law

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