higher law

• Principe moral ou religieux considéré comme supérieur aux lois humaines ; souvent invoqué pour justifier la désobéissance civile ou pour affirmer que certains droits sont inaliénables et ne peuvent être abrogés par la législation.

A moral or religious principle that is considered superior to human-made laws, often invoked to justify civil disobedience or to argue that certain rights are inherent and cannot be overridden by legislation.

1. Moral or divine principleC1formal

   A set of moral or religious principles that are considered superior to human-made laws.

   loi supérieure

   • The activist argued that the higher law of justice required him to disobey the unjust statute.
   • Many philosophers believe that a higher law governs the conscience of humanity.
   • In his speech, he appealed to a higher law to justify his actions.

2. Constitutional principleC2formal

   In legal theory, a principle that certain fundamental rights or natural laws take precedence over ordinary legislation.

   principe de supralégalité

   • The court invoked the concept of a higher law to strike down the discriminatory ordinance.
   • The doctrine of higher law is often used to protect basic human rights.
   • Some legal systems recognize a higher law that limits the power of the government.