Breakpoint The Law Behind the Law
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Jan 26, 2026 A look at the difference between natural law and positive law and why that distinction matters for global events. A critique of international institutions and the challenges of prosecuting unprecedented crimes. A discussion of the moral need for a transcendent foundation and how a Christian account grounds human dignity and justice.
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Law's Deeper Categories
- John Stonestreet argues law rests on deeper categories than 'international' vs 'domestic'.
- He frames law as ultimately natural law (universal) versus positive law (human-made and changeable).
Limits Of International Law
- Appeals to international law falter without a transcendent moral foundation and when powerful states manipulate institutions.
- Without transcendent law, Stonestreet says international law devolves into 'might makes right.'
Nuremberg As Legal Precedent
- Stonestreet references the Nuremberg trials and a recent Nuremberg movie to illustrate creating new international legal norms.
- He notes Allies sought to show Nazi crimes were extraordinary and required novel legal grounding rather than immediate summary executions.
