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

He also cited "inflation" from higher law firm billing rates and litigation expenses.

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In the senator’s closing argument, he conceded as much but nevertheless insisted upon a higher law.

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Antigone openly and intentionally defies his edict, covering her brother’s body with dirt and publicly declaring her allegiance to a higher law — the law of love.

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In a meeting, he argued that there was a higher law to consider.

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Lincoln rejected the higher law, declaring at one point that “insofar as it may attempt to foment a disobedience to the Constitution, or to the constitutional laws of the country, it has my unqualified condemnation.”

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