Inalienable Rights

Definition

Inalienable rights are fundamental rights that are considered to be inherent to all individuals and cannot be taken away or transferred. These rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, are believed to be granted by a higher power and cannot be violated by any government.

Related terms

Civil Liberties: These are specific individual rights protected by law from infringement by the government, such as freedom of speech and religion.

Natural Rights: Similar to inalienable rights, natural rights refer to the basic human rights that everyone is entitled to simply because they exist.

Social Contract Theory: This theory suggests that individuals give up certain freedoms and submit to government authority in exchange for protection of their remaining natural or inalienable rights.