ABSOLUTE RIGHTS Meaning and
Definition
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Absolute rights refer to fundamental individual liberties that are considered inherent and inviolable, not subject to any form of restriction or infringement. These rights are universally recognized and protected by law to ensure freedom and dignity for every individual. Absolute rights are typically deemed as essential to human existence and are not contingent upon any specific circumstances or conditions.
One key characteristic of absolute rights is that they are not subject to undue interference, limitation, or control by any external authority, whether it be a government, institution, or individual. These rights are seen as absolute in the sense that they cannot be overridden or abrogated, irrespective of the prevailing societal norms, laws, or cultural beliefs.
Examples of absolute rights include the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, freedom of expression, the right to personal autonomy and bodily integrity, and the right not to be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. These rights are considered fundamental and essential to human dignity, and their absence or denial often leads to significant human rights violations.
It is important to note that while absolute rights are recognized, the exercise of such rights may be subject to reasonable limitations in certain circumstances, such as cases where they may pose a direct threat to public safety or the rights of others. Nonetheless, these limitations must be justifiable, proportionate, and necessary in a democratic society.
Etymology of ABSOLUTE RIGHTS
The word "absolute" originates from the Latin word "absolutus", which is the past participle of the verb "absolvere". "Absolvere" comprises the roots "ab", meaning "away", and "solvere", meaning "to loosen" or "to release". Hence, "absolvere" originally meant "to set free" or "to separate". Over time, the term evolved to convey the idea of "complete" or "unrestricted".
The term "rights" has its root in the Old English word "riht", carrying the meaning of "just" or "fair". It has Indo-European origins and is related to words like "recht" in German, "reik" in Gothic, and "rät" in Swedish.
