Legal Definitions - jus individuum

Jus individuum refers to a right that belongs entirely to an individual and cannot be separated, shared, or divided among multiple people. It is a right that must be exercised or possessed as a whole, rather than in parts.

• The Right to Vote: When a citizen is eligible to vote in an election, their right to cast a ballot is a jus individuum. Each eligible voter possesses one complete vote; it cannot be split into fractions or shared with another person. You either have the right to cast your vote, or you don't, and that vote counts as a single, indivisible expression of your will.

• The Right to Bodily Autonomy: An individual's right to make decisions about their own body and health, free from coercion, is another example. This right cannot be partially granted or divided among several individuals. For instance, a person either has the full right to consent to a medical procedure or they do not; they cannot give "half" their consent or share their right to decide with someone else. It is a complete right held by the individual.

• The Right to a Fair Trial: In legal proceedings, every accused person has the right to a fair trial. This is a jus individuum because the fairness of the trial cannot be divided or partially applied. An individual either receives a trial that meets the standards of fairness and due process, or they do not. The right cannot be split, for example, by having only half of the evidence presented fairly or only some of the jury be impartial; the entire process must be fair for the individual to have received their right.