De Legibus

work by Suárez

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June 25, 2026

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Francisco Suárez's De Legibus (1612), meaning "On Laws," is a foundational work in international law and political philosophy. Suárez, a Spanish Jesuit theologian and philosopher, argued that political authority originates with the people, not from a divine right of kings. He posited that the state arises from a social contract to which the people consent, asserting natural rights to life, liberty, and property.1

Suárez rejected the idea of natural slavery and criticized Spanish colonization practices. His work contributed to the development of natural law theory, emphasizing that just laws must align with moral principles and serve the common good. He is considered one of the most significant Scholastic philosophers after Thomas Aquinas.12

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Francisco Suárez
…and philosophy of law in De Legibus (1612; “On Laws”) as well as in the Defensio. Having refuted the divine-right theory of kingly rule, he declared that the people themselves are the original holders of political authority; the state is the result of a social contract to which the people…
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…and philosophy of law in De Legibus (1612; “On Laws”) as well as in the Defensio. Having refuted the divine-right theory of kingly rule, he declared that the people themselves are the original holders of political authority; the state is the result of a social contract to which the people…
Read More