right of privacy

Legal Definition of right of privacy

: the right of a person to be free from intrusion into or publicity concerning matters of a personal nature

— called also right to privacy

— compare invasion of privacy

Note: Although not explicitly mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, a penumbral right of privacy has been held to be encompassed in the Bill of Rights, providing protection from unwarranted governmental intrusion into areas such as marriage and contraception.

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Dictionary Entries Near right of privacy

right of petition

right of privacy

right of publicity

Cite this Entry

“Right of privacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/right%20of%20privacy. Accessed 25 Jun. 2022.

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