Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Individual rights refer to the entitlements and freedoms that every person possesses inherently as a human being, such as freedom of speech, religion, or privacy.
Related terms
Civil liberties: These are specific individual rights granted by law, such as freedom of expression or protection against unreasonable searches.
Human rights: These are fundamental rights inherent to all humans regardless of their nationality or citizenship status, often protected by international laws or agreements.
Legal rights: These are individual rights granted and protected by a country's legal system.