Isikuvõimekus

Isikuvõimekus, often translated as "personal capacity" or "legal capacity of a natural person," refers to the ability of an individual to possess rights and bear obligations, and to exercise these rights and fulfill these obligations through their own actions. In legal terms, it is a fundamental concept that determines an individual's standing in the legal system.

There are generally two main aspects to isikuvõimekus. Firstly, the capacity to have rights and obligations, known as "õigusvõimekus" or "legal standing," which typically begins at birth. This means that even an infant can inherit property or be a beneficiary of a will. Secondly, there is the capacity to act, or "teovõimekus," which refers to the ability to perform legally significant actions, such as entering into contracts, making a will, or initiating legal proceedings. This capacity is usually acquired upon reaching the age of majority, although it can be affected by factors such as mental capacity or age.

In most legal systems, the age of majority is set at 18, at which point a person is generally presumed to have full teovõimekus. However, there are exceptions and nuances. For example, minors may have limited capacity to enter into certain contracts, and individuals with severe mental impairments may have their capacity restricted by a court. Understanding isikuvõimekus is crucial for comprehending an individual's legal rights and responsibilities.