Privilege
From Free net encyclopedia
Template:Two other uses 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, 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 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 privileges. This meant the removal of separate laws for different social classes (nobility, clergy and ordinary people), and subjecting everyone to the same common law.