absolute right
Cannot be limited
An absolute right is one that cannot be limited, overridden, or balanced against other considerations.
In legal and ethical discourse, few rights qualify—the prohibition against torture is often cited as one.
Most rights called "absolute" turn out to have exceptions when tested: Free speech is not an absolute right—you can't yell fire in a crowded theater.
Having no limitations
- unlimitedWithout bounds or restrictions
- unqualifiedLacking required credentials
- completeLacking nothing, fully done
- totalComplete sum
outright · unmitigated · unequivocal · unfettered · unbounded · categorical · peremptory · definitive
Entitlement from origin
- inalienableIncapable of being surrendered
- natural lawInherent moral principles
- constitutionalHealth-promoting walk
- civil libertiesRights limiting government power
fundamental · inherent · inviolable · universal · protected · guaranteed · endowment · due process
Rule of right conduct
- justiceFair treatment under law
- dutyRequired moral task
- conscienceInternal moral sense
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
integrity · rectitude · deontology · categorical imperative · normative · goodness · fairness · equity
Supreme independent authority
- dominionAuthority to rule
- supremacyHighest rank or power
- hegemonyDominant group's control
- powerEnergy transfer rate
command · control · rule · governance · mandate · jurisdiction · reign · ascendancy
Absence of unjust constraint
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
- free willAutonomous choice capacity
- agencyPower to act
emancipation · independence · choice · volition · liberation · self-governance · enfranchisement · freedom of speech
unrestricted
Having no limitations
- unlimitedWithout bounds or restrictions
- unqualifiedLacking required credentials
- completeLacking nothing, fully done
total · outright · unmitigated · unequivocal · unfettered · unbounded · categorical · peremptory · definitive · indefeasible
birthright
Entitlement from origin
- inalienableIncapable of being surrendered
- natural lawInherent moral principles
- constitutionalHealth-promoting walk
civil liberties · fundamental · inherent · inviolable · universal · protected · guaranteed · endowment · due process · equal protection
moral principle
Rule of right conduct
- justiceFair treatment under law
- dutyRequired moral task
- conscienceInternal moral sense
virtue · integrity · rectitude · deontology · categorical imperative · normative · goodness · fairness · equity · responsibility
sovereignty
Supreme independent authority
power · command · control · rule · governance · mandate · jurisdiction · reign · ascendancy · imperium
liberty
Absence of unjust constraint
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
- free willAutonomous choice capacity
agency · emancipation · independence · choice · volition · liberation · self-governance · enfranchisement · freedom of speech · freedom of religion
absolute rightno standing
Prohibition against stopping
duty · obligation · prohibition · liability
absolute, right, absolutely, absoluteness, absolutism, absolutist, absolve, absolution, rightly