Inalienabilis

Inalienabilis is a Latin term meaning "inalienable" or "that which cannot be transferred." It is primarily used in legal and philosophical contexts to describe rights or properties that are considered so fundamental or inherent that they cannot be given away, sold, or otherwise surrendered by an individual. These rights are often seen as existing by nature or by divine law, rather than being granted by a sovereign power.

The concept of inalienable rights is most famously articulated in the United States Declaration of Independence, which states that all men are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, including Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. This notion suggests that these rights are not contingent upon government recognition but are pre-existing and universally applicable. The idea has roots in natural law philosophy, with thinkers like John Locke significantly influencing this understanding.

In a broader sense, the term can apply to certain types of property or status that are considered intrinsically tied to a person or entity and cannot be alienated. This might include elements of personal identity, certain ancestral claims, or specific legal statuses. The core idea remains that the essence of the thing or right is inseparable from its holder.