Which of the following legal philosophies stresses the importance of moral considerations in law?

Legal moralism is the correct choice because it emphasizes the principle that law should reflect moral standards and societal values. This philosophy holds that laws should be crafted and enforced based on what is considered morally right or wrong, suggesting that legal norms must align with ethical considerations and not merely serve functional or procedural roles.

Under legal moralism, the justification for certain laws stems from moral beliefs rather than just practical outcomes or procedural rules. For example, laws against theft or murder are often justified not only because they contribute to societal order, but also because these actions are viewed as inherently wrong.

In contrast, legal formalism focuses on the application of established laws and procedures without reference to moral reasoning, treating the law as a closed system of rules. Legal realism, on the other hand, emphasizes how law is applied in practice and is influenced by social and contextual factors, while utilitarianism seeks to create laws that promote the greatest happiness or good for the greatest number, which might not inherently address moral issues as central to the legal framework. This distinction highlights why legal moralism is the philosophy that directly stresses moral considerations in law.