Classification of Rights

Classification of Rights

Three classification of rights are recognized:

a.) Natural rights- those emanating directly from God without the intervention of man; like the right to live.
b.) Constitutional rights- those conferred upon the people by the Constitution, together with the corresponding guarantees against the transgression from any one, even by the Government itself.
c.) Statutory rights- those derived from statutes enacted by the lawmaking body, subject to their modification, abolition or supplementation by the same authority that granted them.

Constitutional rights may be classified as follows:

a.) Political rights- those granted to citizens by the constitution to enable them to participate, directly or indirectly in the affairs of government, like the right to suffrage; right to citizenship, right to peaceful assembly.

b.) Civil rights- those that the law will enforce at the instance of private individuals for the purpose of securing to them the enjoyment of their means of happiness, like the security of persons, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, right to choose one's domicile; right to travel; and others.

c.) Social and economic rights- those which the law confers upon the people to enable them to achieve social and economic development, thereby ensuring them the well-being, happiness, and financial security. These rights include right to property; right to compensation for property expropriated for public purposes. These rights are also contemplated in the constitutional provisions relating to promotion of social justice, promotion of education, conservation and utilization of natural resources, and others.