Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
JURIDICAL RIGHTS
Those in whose defense or recovery a person may use force or might. Thus the right to life and to property is juridical because normally they are defensible by physical means. An unborn child does not have the strength to defend its right to life. But though physically violated, the right itself remains, for it is still morally inviolable, which is of the essence of right. This has grave practical implications in defending the juridical right to life of the unborn when threatened by abortion.
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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