THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEGAL AND MORAL VALUES: A COMPAR ATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The article is devoted to a comparative analysis of legal and moral norms with the aim of identifying their interrelations, differences, and points of intersection across various sociocultural contexts. The study employs a comparative methodology that enables the exploration of the shared and distinct characteristics of how law and morality function, including their institutionalization, mechanisms of behavioral regulation, and the degree of influence on public consciousness. It is emphasized that while moral principles often serve as a foundation for legal norms, the latter are usually formalized and codified in legislative acts supported by the coercive power of the state. At the same time, morality remains a key regulator of behavior, relying on personal conviction, societal approval, or disapproval.Special attention is given to the idea that the effectiveness of legal regulation significantly depends on the alignment of legal norms with the dominant moral perceptions within a given society. A disconnect between moral and legal frameworks may lead to decreased legitimacy of the law, legal nihilism, and social conflict. Meanwhile, certain legal systems aim for moral neutrality, particularly those based on the principles of legal positivism. The article also highlights examples from different countries' legal systems, demonstrating varying degrees of moral integration in lawmaking and law enforcement. The findings of the study suggest that the harmonization of moral and legal values is a crucial condition for ensuring social stability, promoting legal culture, and developing the rule of law. This article may be of interest to legal scholars, ethicists, sociologists, and experts in comparative law.