fundamental right

[ˌfʌn.dəˈmen.təl ˈraɪt]
nounpl: fundamental rights
direito fundamental
1. A basic human right that is considered essential and inalienable, typically protected by law and constitutional provisions
Freedom of speech is considered a fundamental right in democratic societies.
A liberdade de expressão é considerada um direito fundamental nas sociedades democráticas.
2. Rights that are intrinsic to human dignity and cannot be legitimately taken away or restricted
The right to life is a fundamental right recognized by international law.
O direito à vida é um direito fundamental reconhecido pelo direito internacional.
3. Constitutional or legal protections that form the foundation of civil liberties
Access to justice is a fundamental right in any legal system.
O acesso à justiça é um direito fundamental em qualquer sistema legal.
In Brazil, 'direitos fundamentais' are explicitly protected in the 1988 Federal Constitution (Constituição Federal), Chapter I of Title II. This concept is central to Brazilian constitutional law and human rights discourse. In the USA, fundamental rights are derived from the Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments. Both countries emphasize these rights as the cornerstone of democratic governance and social justice.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
basic righthuman rightinalienable rightconstitutional rightcivil right
Antonyms / Antônimos
privilegerevocable rightconditional right

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
direito fundamental
Standard term used in Brazilian law, especially in the Federal Constitution
Rio de Janeiro
direito fundamental
Same as general Brazilian usage
São Paulo
direito fundamental
Same as general Brazilian usage; commonly used in legal practice
Portugal
direito fundamental
Same term; often referred to as 'direitos fundamentais' in the Portuguese Constitution

Related Words

constitutional protectioncivil libertieshuman dignitylegal safeguarduniversal rights

Related Idioms & Phrases

to protect fundamental rights
to violate a fundamental right
fundamental rights and freedoms
to enshrine fundamental rights in law
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