Eric Claeys’ New Book Explores Intersection of Natural Law and Property Rights

Professor Eric Claeys recently released a book detailing an innovative theory of property rights. Natural Property Rights positions property law within the framework of natural law. Drawing on classical theorists and modern philosophy, the work argues that property law should be guided by natural law and designed to serve both individual freedom and the common good. During a recent interview on the title, Professor Claeys emphasized the book’s intention to clarify for modern readers how natural rights and natural law can shape property discourse. He summarized his project as an effort to explain “how natural law might inform property; how property can be the subject of a natural right; and why a lot of the most common criticisms of natural rights aren't as convincing as they are often suggested to be.”

In addition to his property and natural rights expertise, Professor Claeys also writes on constitutional law and intellectual property. At the law school, his classes include popular offerings in Property, Torts, Jurisprudence, and Intellectual Property. He is an active member of the American Law Institute, with significant involvement in the Restatement of Copyright and the Restatement (Fourth) of Property.

Natural Property Rights is available on Cambridge University Press’ website, and electronically to those with access to Cambridge Core through their institutions.