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Simple English definitions for legal terms
individual liberty
Read a random definition: without recourse
A quick definition of individual liberty:
Individual liberty means that people have the right to do what they want without someone else telling them what to do. This includes things like being able to choose your job, get married, and practice your religion. However, sometimes the government has to make rules to keep people safe and healthy. This is called regulating the public health, safety, and welfare. People also have the right to participate in government and vote for their leaders. They also have the right to express their religious beliefs without someone else controlling them.
A more thorough explanation:
Individual liberty refers to the freedom that a person has to act and make choices without undue external restraint, especially by the government. It is a right, privilege, or immunity that a person enjoys by prescription or by grant. This means that a person has the right to do what they want as long as it does not harm others or go against the law.
For example, a person has the liberty to express their opinions, worship according to their beliefs, marry, establish a home, and bring up children. They also have the liberty to engage in any of the common occupations of life and acquire useful knowledge. However, this liberty is limited by the government's right to regulate public health, safety, and welfare.
Another example of individual liberty is the freedom to participate in the operation of the government, especially in elections and in the making and administration of laws. This is known as political liberty.
Religious liberty is also a form of individual liberty. It is the freedom to express any or no system of religious opinion and to engage in or refrain from any form of religious observance or public or private religious worship, as long as it is consistent with the peace and order of society.
Overall, individual liberty is an essential aspect of a free society. It allows people to pursue their own happiness and live their lives as they see fit, as long as they do not harm others or go against the law.