Definition

Noun: - The right to be free: A fundamental legal and moral entitlement to personal freedom and autonomy, meaning freedom from arbitrary detention, imprisonment, or undue restriction. It is a core principle in human rights law.

Usage

This term is used in legal, political, and philosophical contexts to denote a basic human right. It is often discussed in relation to constitutions, international treaties, and cases of unlawful imprisonment. - It is typically used as a singular, non-countable noun phrase. - Common collocations include: violate the right to liberty, uphold the right to liberty, deprivation of the right to liberty.

Examples

• In a legal document:
• In a news report:
• In academic writing:

Advanced Usage

• "Right to liberty and security of person": A common extended legal phrase found in documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, combining freedom from arbitrary detention with the right to personal safety.
• "Procedural right to liberty": Refers to the legal safeguards (like the right to a fair trial) that protect against unlawful deprivation of liberty.

Variants and Related Words

• Liberty (n): The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions.
• Civil liberties (n, plural): The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.
• Deprivation of liberty (n phrase): The act of taking away someone's freedom.

Synonyms

• Freedom from arbitrary arrest: Specifically emphasizes protection against unjust detention.
• Personal autonomy: Focuses on the philosophical concept of self-governance and freedom of choice.

Related Phrases

• Habeas corpus: A legal writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge, serving as a primary legal instrument to protect the right to liberty against unlawful imprisonment.
• Due process: The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, which includes protections for liberty.

Noun

1. the right to be free