Legal Definitions - mankind

The term mankind refers to all human beings collectively, encompassing the entire human race without distinction of gender. While contemporary legal language often favors more inclusive terms such as "humanity," "people," or "persons," mankind may still be found in older statutes, historical documents, international treaties, or foundational legal texts to denote the whole of humankind.

• Example 1: An international treaty drafted in the 1960s declares that outer space and celestial bodies are the "province of all mankind."

  Explanation: In this context, "mankind" signifies that outer space is considered a shared domain belonging to all people on Earth, rather than being subject to the exclusive claim of any single nation or group. It emphasizes a universal interest and responsibility.

• Example 2: A charitable trust, established over a century ago, specifies in its founding documents that its endowment is to be used for "the relief of suffering among mankind through medical research."

  Explanation: Here, "mankind" indicates that the trust's philanthropic mission is intended to benefit all human beings globally, without any geographical, ethnic, or social limitations, aiming for universal well-being.

• Example 3: A historical legal commentary from the 18th century discusses the "natural rights inherent to mankind," arguing that these rights predate government and are universal.

  Explanation: This usage of "mankind" asserts that fundamental rights are not granted by any specific state or society but are intrinsic to every individual simply by virtue of being human, applying universally to all people.