önrendelkezési

Önrendelkezési is the adjectival form of the Hungarian noun önrendelkezés, which denotes the right or capacity of a person to dispose over their own person, life and property within the bounds of the law. The root ö n- means “self,” and rendelkezés means “disposition” or “control.” In legal and public discourse, önrendelkezés primarily refers to personal autonomy and the ability to make decisions affecting one’s life.

In civil law, the concept encompasses the broad idea that individuals have control over decisions that affect themselves, including arrangements about property, contracts, and legal representation. The exact scope and limits are defined by applicable statutes and case law, with certain protections in place for persons with diminished capacity or under guardianship.

A particularly common term is önrendelkezési nyilatkozat, an advance directive that enables a person to articulate preferences about medical treatment and end-of-life care for times when they may no longer be able to express consent. Such documents can guide healthcare providers and protect patient autonomy, though the legal effect depends on the jurisdiction and the specific form used.

The concept underlines a broader principle of personal autonomy in Hungarian law and society, alongside related ideas such as testamentary disposition, guardianship, and the right to privacy. In discourse, scholars and practitioners discuss its extent in modern democracies, balancing individual autonomy with protective duties and public interest.