Natural rights are those rights that are not dependent on the laws or customs of any particular culture or government, and therefore cannot be repealed or restrained by human laws. These rights are often described as inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away. Philosophers like John Locke argued that natural rights include the rights to life, liberty, and property.
Legal rights, on the other hand, are those rights granted to individuals by a specific legal system. They are created and protected by laws and can vary from country to country or even within different jurisdictions of the same country. These rights can be modified, amended, or repealed through the legislative process.
| Feature | Natural Rights | Legal Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural law, inherent human existence | Statutes, constitutions, legal precedent |
| Dependence on Government | Independent; exists without government recognition | Dependent; granted and protected by government |
| Universality | Universal; applicable to all humans at all times | Variable; differs by jurisdiction and legal system |
| Amendability | Inalienable; cannot be legitimately taken away | Amendable; can be modified or repealed by law |
| Examples | Life, liberty, property (as argued by Locke), pursuit of happiness | Right to vote, right to a fair trial, right to education |
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