Morality

Morality can be defined by Phil Harris as ‘a set of beliefs, values, principles and standards of behaviour’. Living in a pluralist society, morality can be debated and is therefore adopted to varying degrees. Morals are generally enforced through public disapproval and change gradually over time as opinions change. The law tends to be grounded in morals, though this can be a divisive matter. Legal positivists such as Professor Hart believe that morality has no place in the law, but if such laws are made by the recognised legislative power in the state, they are valid. Natural law theorists such as Plato, on the other hand, argue that there is a close relationship between the law and the existence of morals.