natural right

noun

1. any right that exists by virtue of natural law.

Word History and Origins

Origin of natural right¹

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

Whenever there is in any country, uncultivated lands and unemployed poor, it is clear that the laws of property have been so far extended as to violate natural right.

From Los Angeles Times

“Whenever there is in any country, uncultivated lands and unemployed poor,” Thomas Jefferson wrote to James Madison in October 1785, “it is clear that the laws of property have been so far extended as to violate natural right.”

From Los Angeles Times

It comes from John Locke who argued that the people have the natural right to “appeal to heaven,” i.e. to start a revolution, if the government won’t address their grievances.

From Salon

The Palestinian envoy to the UN, Riyad Mansour, said his people had a "natural right" to self-determination.

From BBC

Hamas welcomed Iran’s attack, saying it was “a natural right and a deserved response” to the strike in Syria and urged the Iran-backed groups in the region to continue to support Hamas in the war against Israel.

From Seattle Times