Svéprávnost

Svéprávnost, often translated as legal capacity or capacity to act, is a fundamental concept in civil law systems, particularly in countries like the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It refers to an individual's ability to engage in legal transactions and to be held responsible for their actions. Essentially, it is the power to acquire rights and assume obligations, and to exercise these rights and fulfill these obligations through one's own will and actions.

The acquisition of svéprávnost is typically tied to reaching the age of majority, which is usually 18 years old. Upon reaching this age, an individual generally gains full legal capacity. However, this capacity can be limited or removed under certain circumstances. For instance, individuals with severe intellectual disabilities or mental illnesses that impair their understanding and decision-making abilities may have their legal capacity restricted by a court. This restriction is intended to protect the individual from making disadvantageous decisions and to ensure their well-being.

Conversely, minors, those under the age of majority, have limited svéprávnost. While they can perform certain everyday transactions, such as purchasing goods for personal use, more significant legal actions, like entering into contracts or selling property, often require the consent or involvement of their legal guardians. The law aims to balance the protection of minors with their gradual integration into the legal and economic sphere. The determination of an individual's level of svéprávnost is a matter of legal significance, impacting their ability to participate fully in society and the economy.