Person Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Person, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Person?

History and Meaning of Person

The legal term "person" dates back to the Roman law, where the idea of legal personality was first introduced. A person was defined as a being who had legal rights and could be held liable for their actions. In modern law, a person is typically understood as a human being who has certain rights and obligations like the ability to enter into contracts and own property. However, certain artificial entities like corporations can also be treated as a person under the law.

Examples of Person

1. John is a person and has the right to free speech.
2. The corporation was treated as a person under the law and was liable for damages.
3. The court recognized the fetus as a person for the purposes of the wrongful death lawsuit.

Legal Terms Similar to Person

1. Legal Entity - an entity or organization that has legal rights and obligations, which can include a person or a corporation.
2. Natural Person - an individual human being with legal rights and obligations.
3. Artificial Person - a non-human entity, like a corporation or government, that can be treated as a person under the law.