Legal Definitions - personal

In a legal context, the term personal refers to something that:

• Relates directly to an individual person, their body, reputation, privacy, or direct experience.
• Pertains to movable possessions or property, as distinct from land or buildings.

Here are some examples to illustrate the meaning of "personal":

• Example 1: Data Privacy

  Imagine a social media company experiencing a data breach where users' names, email addresses, and private messages are exposed. This is considered a breach of personal data because it directly involves sensitive information belonging to specific individuals, impacting their privacy and security.

• Example 2: Workplace Grievance

  Consider an employee who believes they were unfairly disciplined by their manager for reasons unrelated to their job performance. The employee might file a personal grievance, arguing that the disciplinary action was directed specifically at them as an individual and violated their rights or fair treatment in the workplace.

• Example 3: Estate Planning

  When someone writes a will, they often specify who will inherit their assets. Items like jewelry, artwork, vehicles, and bank accounts are typically referred to as personal property or personal effects. These are distinct from real estate, such as a house or land, and are movable possessions that can be transferred to beneficiaries.