Definition

1. Noun:
   • A principle that takes precedence over the laws of society: A moral or ethical standard believed to be more authoritative than human-made laws or social conventions. It is often invoked to justify civil disobedience or to argue that a human law is unjust.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The activists claimed they were following a higher law of conscience.
  • He argued that no government statute could violate this higher law.
  • The concept of a higher law is central to many philosophical and religious traditions.

Advanced Usage

• "Appeal to a higher law": To justify an action by claiming it obeys a superior moral or divine principle.
  • The defendant appealed to a higher law, stating his actions were required by his faith.

Variants and Related Words

• Natural law (n): A system of law or justice considered to be inherent in nature or reason, not created by human legislation. Often related to the concept of a higher law.
• Moral imperative (n): A principle originating in morality that compels or commands action.

Synonyms

• Divine law: Law believed to be directly ordained by a deity.
• Universal principle: A fundamental truth or rule considered applicable everywhere.
• Unalienable right: A right that cannot be taken away or given up, often seen as granted by a higher law.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Answer to a higher authority": To be ultimately responsible to a power greater than human institutions, such as God or one's conscience.
  • In matters of ethics, I believe we all answer to a higher authority.

Noun

1. a principle that takes precedent over the laws of society