higher law

noun

1. an ethical or religious principle considered as taking precedence over the laws of society, and to which one may appeal in order to justify disobedience to a constitution or enacted law with which it conflicts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of higher law¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

Next was explained to him the higher law of the Tarykat, or "path" to perfection.

From Project Gutenberg

We require some solid ground for our belief in this higher law.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a To-morrow after to-day, and a Higher Law which crushes all fugitive slave bills into their kindred dust.

From Project Gutenberg

They shrank apprehensively from the phrase in one of his speeches that "there is a higher law than the Constitution."

From Project Gutenberg

The lex talionis has been abolished by the law of civilization and the higher law of the gospel.

From Project Gutenberg