State Forms and Legal Concepts: Absolutism to Natural Law

Absolutist State

An authoritarian state of the Modern Ages. The sovereign's power is unlimited and unrestricted. Rulers are not chosen by citizens, and there's no legal way to oppose their orders.

Totalitarian State

The most extreme authoritarian state, with exhaustive control over social and personal spheres. The state controls non-state institutions, civil society, and private life. Media, education, religion, and family are inspected to prevent opposition.

Law

The set of principles and norms governing human relations in society. It's a comprehensive code addressing all aspects of personal and social interactions.

Rights

The faculty or ability of every human being to do what is allowed or demand what aligns with their dignity. Human rights are a prime example.

Positive Law

The system of rules established by a state, applicable at a specific time and place. This is known as a country's legislation.

Natural Law

A set of universal and immutable principles and rules. Positive law should adapt to it, as natural law establishes what is fair, not just legal. Iusnaturalists believe these principles are not human creations but are valid in any community or human society. Natural law serves as a model for positive law, defining what is just "by nature."

Principle of Legality

A principle of positive law requiring conformity with the law in state-citizen and citizen-citizen relations. Something is legal if it matches current laws, even if those laws seem unfair. Only what contradicts the law is illegal. What is legal may not be legitimate; legitimacy aligns with justice and morality.