What does legal naturalism advocate?

Legal naturalism advocates a belief in the concept of natural law, which posits that there are certain inherent rights and moral principles that are universally applicable through human reason. This perspective suggests that laws should be based on these fundamental moral truths rather than merely being the result of human legislation. Legal naturalism emphasizes that laws should reflect ethical standards derived from nature and human dignity, asserting that there is a higher moral standard that all legal systems should aspire to uphold.

In contrast, the other options present different philosophical perspectives on law. The idea of law based solely on empirical evidence suggests a more positivist approach, which focuses on the observable and measurable aspects of law rather than moral considerations. The study of law as a system of power aligns with critical legal theories that analyze how laws enforce power dynamics within society, often disconnected from moral values. Lastly, the concept of law as a social construct emphasizes the role of social interactions and societal consensus in the creation of law, which contrasts with the idea of innate moral principles proposed by legal naturalism.