Privilege
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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This article is about permission granted by law or other rules. For the album by Ivor Cutler, see Privilege (album). For the Ibiza nightclub, see Privilege Ibiza.
A privilege—etymologically "private law" or law relating to a specific individual—is an honour, or permissive activity granted by another person or a government. A privilege is not a right and in some cases can be revoked. For example, in some countries driving on publicly maintained roads is a privilege; in others it is a right. If one violates certain rules, driving privileges can be revoked, and if one causes harm to another while exercising the right to travel just compensation may be sought and awarded.
Defining the difference between a 'privilege' and a 'right' is quite simple: a right is inherent, while a privilege is granted. In authentic democracies a 'privilege' is granted to a few after birth, and a 'right' is an entitlement to all mankind from birth. A privileged class, in less-than-perfect democracies, is often embodied in political power and wealth. Compare elite.
One of the objectives of the French Revolution was the abolition of privilege. This meant the removal of separate laws for different social classes (nobility, clergy and ordinary people), instead subjecting everyone to the same common law.
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