In this review essay, Bruce W. Ballard argues how a Thomistic understanding of natural law is superior to certain non-Thomistic versions found in Common Truths. The first part of the argument shows how these non-Thomists end up opposing basic human "goods" and divine law when they uncritically support democratic or quasi-democratic cultures and laissez-faire economics. Such errors are shown to be avoidable on a Thomistic conception. The second part of the argument shows how Thomistic natural law does not fall short of wider natural law thinking on the key issue of the death penalty. Mr. Ballard is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Stephens College.