People Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is People?

They are the individuals or group who forms and belongs to the society aggregating to the nation in totallity.

History and Meaning of People

The term "People" is commonly used to refer to a group of individuals who share a common identity, such as a nationality or citizenship. It comes from the Latin word "populus", which means "a people, nation, or tribe". Historically, the concept of "the people" has been central to political and constitutional debates, particularly in democracies, where political power is said to derive from the people.

In legal terms, "the people" is often used to refer to citizens collectively, or as the body of individuals who have rights under a particular legal system. In some contexts, the term can also refer to a particular group within a society, such as a cultural or ethnic group.

Examples of People

  1. In the United States, the preamble to the Constitution begins with the phrase "We the People", emphasizing the idea that the power of government comes from the collective will of the citizens.

  2. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples as distinct from the broader concept of "the people". It acknowledges the existence of diverse cultural and ethnic groups within societies, and calls for the protection of their rights and traditions.

  3. In criminal law, the prosecution represents "the people" in cases where a crime has been committed. This reflects the idea that criminal acts are seen as offenses against society as a whole, rather than just against the individual victim.

Legal Terms Similar to People

  1. Citizen - A legal member of a particular country or nation, often with certain rights and responsibilities.

  2. Community - A group of individuals who share common interests, values, or goals, and who live or work together in a particular area.

  3. Nation - A political entity that typically includes a defined territory, a government, and a population who share a common identity or history.