Separation of Law and Morality

The separation of law and morality refers to the idea that legal rules and moral values are distinct. Laws are formal rules set by authorities that govern behavior and are enforceable through punishment. Morality involves personal or societal beliefs about right and wrong, which may influence but do not necessarily dictate the law. This distinction allows laws to exist independently of individual moral judgments, providing a clear framework for social order while still respecting diverse moral views. It emphasizes that not all morally wrong acts are illegal, and not all illegal acts are morally wrong.