Legal Definitions - postnatus

A postnatus refers to an individual who was born after a specific, significant political event occurred, and whose legal or political rights are directly influenced or determined by that birth timing relative to the event. This term highlights how a person's status, such as citizenship or certain entitlements, can differ based on whether they were born before or after a pivotal moment in a nation's history or legal framework.

The plural form is postnati. This concept is often contrasted with an antenatus, who is a person born before such an event.

• Example 1: Formation of a New Nation

  Imagine a former colonial territory, "Terra Nova," declares its independence and establishes itself as a sovereign republic on January 1, 2020. Individuals born within Terra Nova after this date are considered postnati. They are automatically citizens of the new Republic of Terra Nova from birth, with all associated rights and duties, such as the right to vote or hold public office. In contrast, those born *before* January 1, 2020 (the antenati) might have initially been subjects of the former colonial power and may have had to undergo a separate process to acquire citizenship in the new republic, potentially with different initial rights or obligations.

• Example 2: Territorial Annexation

  Consider a scenario where "Nation A" formally annexes "Region B" on March 15, 2023, making Region B an integral part of Nation A. Any person born within the former Region B after March 15, 2023, would be a postnatus. These individuals would automatically be granted full citizenship of Nation A at birth, enjoying all the rights and privileges of natural-born citizens. Conversely, those born in Region B *before* the annexation might have had a different legal status, perhaps as residents or subjects of a different jurisdiction, and may have needed to apply for citizenship in Nation A through a naturalization process.

• Example 3: Constitutional Reform Affecting Eligibility

  Suppose a country undergoes a major constitutional reform on July 4, 2010, which fundamentally redefines the criteria for holding specific high public offices, such as requiring "natural-born citizenship under the new constitution." A person born after July 4, 2010, would be a postnatus in this context. They would automatically meet the "natural-born" requirement as defined by the new constitution, potentially making them eligible for such offices. Someone born *before* this date, even if a citizen, might not meet the newly defined "natural-born" criteria for certain specific roles, illustrating how the political event (constitutional reform) affects the rights and eligibility of those born after it.