The doctrine of natural law is one of the most popular legal doctrines. This doctrine was initiated by several leading legal experts, starting from Hugo Grotius to Mochtar Kusumaatmadja.

This doctrine has also been adopted in several legal systems. Until now, this doctrine is still one of the studies in law.

Natural Law Doctrine of the Greco-Roman Era

In philosophy before Aristotle, law nature is the rule of the universe, and at the same time the rule of living together through laws. In the philosophy of the Sophists, natural law is interpreted as "the law of the strongest", which cannot actually be called law; what is called natural law here is nothing but power and violence.

Aristotle was the first to distinguish between natural law and positive law. According to him, natural law is a law that always applies everywhere because of its relationship with the laws of nature. This law never changes, never disappears and applies by itself. This natural law is distinguished from positive law, which entirely depends on human provisions.

For the Sophists, nature is something external, something outside of humans. Meanwhile, Aristotle, in his book "logic" views the world as a totality that encompasses all of nature. Humans are part of nature, endowed with an active mind that distinguishes them from all other parts of nature. Humans are only able to form their will…