The term "natural person" is often used in legal and financial contexts to refer to human beings. The spelling of this term is: /ˈnætʃərəl ˈpɜːrs(ə)n/. The first syllable "nat-" is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by the "tʃ" sound. The second syllable "ur" is pronounced with a schwa sound. The final syllable "-al" is pronounced with a "l" sound. The word "person" is pronounced with stress on the first syllable and with a short "e" sound followed by the "sən" sound.
A natural person refers to an individual human being that possesses legal rights, responsibilities, and capacities granted by a certain jurisdiction or legal system. In law, a natural person is inherently distinct from a legal entity or an artificial person, such as a corporation, organization, or government body. Unlike these artificial persons, a natural person is a living, breathing human being with a physical presence in the world.
Natural persons are recognized as independent entities with the capacity to enter into contracts, own property, sue, and be sued in a court of law. They are endowed with certain fundamental rights, including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as well as protection from harm and discrimination.
A key characteristic of a natural person is their legal responsibility for their actions and obligations. They can be held accountable for their debts, obligations, and crimes, and may be subject to legal consequences if found to be in violation of the law.
The concept of a natural person is essential in many areas of law, such as contract law, criminal law, and civil law. It serves as the foundation for the legal system to distinguish between human individuals and artificial entities, ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of both are appropriately recognized and administered.
The etymology of the word "natural person" can be understood by analyzing its individual components:
1. Natural: It comes from the Latin word "naturalis", which is derived from "natura", meaning "birth" or "essence". In this context, "natural" relates to something that exists by birth or inherent qualities, as opposed to artificial or constructed elements.
2. Person: It originates from the Latin word "persona", which referred to the masks worn by actors in ancient Greek and Roman dramas. Over time, the word came to represent the role or character played by an individual. It later evolved to denote an individual human being with their distinct legal or social rights, responsibilities, and identity.
Combining these elements, the term "natural person" implies an individual who exists by nature or birthright, possessing legal recognition and rights as a human being, as opposed to an artificial or legal entity such as a corporation or organization.