Rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness are considered:
- Natural rights: These rights are believed to be inherent to all individuals by virtue of their humanity and are not granted by any governing authority. They are seen as fundamental and essential for human existence. The concept of natural rights can be traced back to thinkers like John Locke and Thomas Jefferson.
- Human rights: These rights are recognized and protected by law at the national and international level. They are considered universal and apply to all individuals regardless of their nationality, race, gender, religion, or any other status. The right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness is considered a fundamental human right.
- Civil rights: These rights pertain to the individual's relationship with the government and include protections against government interference in the exercise of certain freedoms. Civil rights are usually enshrined in a country's constitution or laws and include rights such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to a fair trial.
- Constitutional rights: These rights are specifically guaranteed and protected by a country's constitution. In the United States, for example, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, but it is understood to be protected, primarily through the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law.
- Personal rights: These rights refer to the individual's basic rights and freedoms that protect their personal autonomy and integrity. The right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness can be seen as personal rights in that they are fundamental to an individual's well-being and self-determination.
Overall, the rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness are considered fundamental and essential to human existence and are protected through various legal and philosophical frameworks.