Article 19: Right to Life

Chapter IIHigh

Constitution Text

“The right to life of a human being shall be protected by law.”

Summary

This article establishes that the right to life of a human being is protected by law. It is the first specific right in the catalogue and the precondition for every other right.

Key Points

•The right to life of a human being is protected by law.
•It is the first specific right listed after the general Article 18.
•The right to life belongs to every human being, not only to citizens.
•The state must protect life through legislation, for example criminal law.

Practical Example

Police may enter a home without the resident's consent when it is necessary to save a person's life; this exception flows directly from the duty to protect life.

Exam Tips

The question is usually simple: what protects the right to life? The answer is the law. Do not confuse it with Article 20, which deals with liberty.

Art. 18 Art. 20 Art. 21 Art. 24 Art. 30

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