The natural philosophy occupied an important place in the realm of politics, law, religion and ethics from the earliest times. It has played the role of harmonising, synthesising, and promoting peace and justice in different periods and protected public against injustice, tyranny and misrule. Commending the function of natural law in liberating people from politico – legal disorder and tracing its evolution, Blackstone observed:
“the natural law being co – existent with mankind and emanating from God Himself, is superior to all other laws. It is binding over all the countries at all countries at all the times and no man – made law will be valid if it is contrary to the law of nature.
The natural law theory reflects a perpetual quest for absolute justice. Thus it should not be misconceived that natural law has a mere theoretical significance. Its practical value is a historical fact as it generated a wave of liberalism and individual freedom and inspired people to revolt against totalitarian rule in France and Germany. The international law owes its origin, development and validity to the natural law philosophy. The law of nations derives its force and authority from the natural law.
Dr. Friedmann has stated that the history of natural law is a tale of the search of mankind for absolute justice and its failure. Therefore, with the changes in social and political conditions, the notions about natural law have also been changing. Thus natural law has acted as a catalyst for bringing about transformation of the old prevailing legal system. It brought about a change in the old Roman law of Justinian period. The greatest contribution of natural law theory to the legal system is its ideology of a universal order governing all men and the inalienable right of the individual.
