What term describes the belief that the law should reflect higher moral standards?

The term that describes the belief that the law should reflect higher moral standards is Legal Naturalism. This concept is grounded in the idea that there is a universal moral order that should guide the creation and interpretation of laws. Legal naturalists argue that legality is inherently tied to ethical considerations, suggesting that laws are not merely commands of the state but should also align with moral principles that foster justice and fairness.

This viewpoint contrasts with Legal Positivism, which emphasizes that law is a set of rules created by human beings and does not necessarily have to reflect moral values. Legal Realism, on the other hand, focuses on the practical applications of law and how laws operate in reality, rather than their moral foundations. Legal Pragmatism prioritizes practical consequences and real-world outcomes of laws, rather than grounding laws in moral or ethical frameworks.