The Moral Value of Legal Norms

Abstract

This paper argues that the legal phenomenon, driven by practical and utilitarian intentions, constitutes a marginal and subordinate reality, and is thus opposed to justice as a moral value. Attention should be directed toward justice itself, as it carries absolute values, in contrast to the limitations of positive law. Living according to moral principles means to orient one's life toward the good, developing internal dispositions—virtues such as prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance, considered cardinal—which become habits guiding correct, reasoned action toward a good and happy life, in harmony with universal values such as honesty, respect, and responsibility, in order to become a better moral agent. KEYWORDS: charity, right, law, morality, religion, legal positivism, human dignity, state value