Types of Law

info from chapter 4 of textbook The Moral Life In Christ from the Sophia Institute

Eternal Law

Plan of divine wisdom directing all acts and movements.

Natural Law

The rational creature’s participation in the eternal law, which is a universal and intuitive sense of right vs. wrong.

Physical Law

Mechanical laws of nature imposed on us.

Revealed/Divine Law

Laws revealed by God.

Old Law

Revealed Law found in the Old Testament (typically rooted in the Ten Commandments).

New Law

Revealed Law found in the New Testament and taught by Jesus Christ.

Human Law

Laws established by humans meant to govern society

Civil Law

Human Law enacted by civil governments for the common good of a particular section (whether it be a town, state/province, etc.) of society or a country.

Ecclesiastical/Church Law

Human Law which governs the Church in the organization of the hierarchy, liturgical practices, and other matters.