The Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the constitutions of the several states, and the organic laws of the territories all alike propose to protect the people in the exercise of their God-given rights. Not one of them pretends to bestow rights.
This quote underscores a fundamental principle about the nature of rights and the role of legal frameworks in a society. It emphasizes that laws, treaties, and constitutions are not sources of rights but rather protectors andaffirmers of pre-existing rights that are considered inherent and divine in nature. Throughout history, many legal systems have paradoxically been viewed as granting rights, which can imply that rights are privileges bestowed by authorities. However, this quote corrects that misconception, reminding us that rights are innate to human existence, and the role of governance is to shield these rights from infringement. The distinction is crucial because it places the individual at the center of rights considerations, reinforcing the importance of personal liberty and sovereignty. Laws are then tools to secure freedom, justice, and equality for individuals to exercise their natural rights without undue interference. This perspective is especially relevant in discussions about government authority, civil rights movements, and the ongoing debates about the scope and limits of legal power. Recognizing that rights are intrinsic helps foster a society where individuals are empowered and governments are seen as stewards rather than grantors of human liberty. It also highlights the importance of vigilance in safeguarding these rights against encroachment, whether from legislative, executive, or judicial branches of government or other sources of power. Ultimately, this view champions the idea of human dignity and the inviolability of natural rights as foundational to a just society.
