The formal characteristics of human law in Juan de Mariana

This article considers the formal characteristics of human law in the thought of Juan de Mariana. After a general introduction to those characteristics, accompanied by some contextual background, an attempt is made to ascertain the author's intentions as his thought developed and to analyse his particular contribution to the matter through the double optic of enlightenment thought on the one hand, and contemporary jusphilosophy on the other. Some points of connection are found, but also various significant differences. At the same time, the article also gives some thought to the contribution made by the various aspects under consideration in the fields of justice and of the restriction of power.