Legal Definitions - inalienable

Inalienable describes rights that are inherently non-transferable. These fundamental entitlements are impossible to take away from an individual.

Something that is inalienable refers to a right, property, or attribute that cannot be transferred to another party, sold, or taken away. It is considered an inherent and fundamental entitlement that is inseparable from the individual or entity possessing it.

• Example 1: Fundamental Human Rights

  Scenario: The universal right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

  Explanation: This right is inalienable because no government or individual can legitimately force a person to adopt a particular belief system or prevent them from holding their own convictions. A person cannot sell or give away their right to think freely or practice their chosen religion (or no religion), as it is considered a core aspect of human dignity and personal autonomy.

• Example 2: Citizenship Privileges

  Scenario: A citizen's right to return to their home country.

  Explanation: For citizens of many nations, the right to enter and reside in their country of citizenship is inalienable. This means a citizen cannot be permanently banished or denied entry to their own country, nor can they sell or transfer this right to another person. It is a fundamental entitlement tied directly to their status as a citizen.

• Example 3: Personal Legal Standing

  Scenario: An individual's right to sue for personal injury caused by another's negligence.

  Explanation: While a person might choose not to pursue a lawsuit, the fundamental right to seek legal recourse for harm suffered is generally inalienable. This means an injured party cannot permanently sell or transfer their entire legal standing to another person to sue on their behalf for *all* future potential injuries, nor can this right be arbitrarily taken away without due process. It is a personal right to seek justice for wrongs committed against them.