Knowing the legal rights of citizens is essential in ensuring justice, protecting personal liberties, and upholding social order. It encourages citizens to defend themselves against injustice, discrimination, and unlawful actions by governments or other parties. Knowledge of Proper rights promotes responsibility, so when offended, people can seek redress in a court of law. Understanding legal rights also helps in preventing exploitation and it ensures equitable treatment in contracts, the workplace, and day-to-day interactions. Legal knowledge safeguards the fundamental liberties of society, promotes democracy, and preserves human dignity.
Fundamental rights enshrined in the country's constitution, Which protect the citizens freedoms and ensure equality, justice, and dignity. Some of the typical fundamental rights include the right to life and personal liberty that protects people from arbitrary action. The right to equality prevents discrimination based on race, gender, or religion. The right to freedom guarantees freedom of speech, expression, and assembly. The right to religion ensures freedom of religion. The right to constitutional remedies enables judicial action against violations of rights. They maintain democracy, disallow excesses by the state, and enable citizens to live in freedom and dignity.
The principle "Ignorance of the law is no excuse" which means that a person cannot be excused from legal responsibility by claiming unawareness of the law. This provides accountability and prevents the circumstance in which one avoids penalties by claiming ignorance. The rationale is that laws are promulgated, and citizens are expected to know. This maxim ensures legal certainty and stability, which ensures that justice is dispensed equally regardless of one's knowledge or intention of the law.
Women's rights are secured by laws for gender equality, protection against domestic violence, sexual harassment, and employment discrimination. Rights for children are ensured by laws that protect them from abuse, provide access to education and healthcare. Marital and family rights provide rights for marriage, divorce, custody of a child, and ownership of properties. Such laws advocate for the fair treatment of individuals in marriages and families, protecting and assisting them during disputes as well as instilling stability in society by ensuring that all members of the family enjoy their rights. Consumer rights allow citizens to obtain a remedy for fraud, substandard quality goods, or services by complaint, court action, or consumer protection agencies. Consumer rights are intended to create fair treatment in the marketplace. There are Digital and cyber legislation which is unavoidable in the present era because these laws safeguard people from fraud perpetrated on the Internet, identity theft, and abusing social networking sites. Laws have provisions of protecting people's privacy such that people's information is not abused. Understanding these rights makes the citizens stronger and capable of safeguarding themselves from cyber threats and ensuring justice in business.
Every citizen should know their basic legal rights to protect themselves and have justice. In cases of violations of human rights, say discrimination or torture, individuals can seek remedies through means of legal proceedings, human rights commissions, or international mechanisms. A vote is a fundamental right in a democracy, as it brings representation and accountability. A vote is not just a right but a civic duty that underpins governance. Having the knowledge about such rights equips individuals to demand justice, become part of a democratic country, and form an equal society.
For ensuring transparency and legal justice, every citizen should know their basic legal rights. Right to Free Information is protected under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which ensures government documents are made available, by ensuring accountability and informed decision-making. For ensuring a free and fair trial, individuals can access legal aid under government schemes and private legal aid institutions, ensuring equal access to justice regardless of financial conditions. Awareness of these rights enables individuals to defend themselves and uphold democratic principles.
Basic legal knowledge empowers citizens to be aware of their rights, fulfill obligations, and deal with legal issues effectively. It prevents exploitation, avoids breaking the law, and promotes social justice and also informed citizens can resist injustice, protect against fraud, and contribute to a law-abiding society. Legal awareness promotes accountability, civic participation, and respect for the rule of law. A well-informed public on the law promotes greater public trust in the legal system, upholds democracy, and guarantees a just and equal society for all.
The writer is an LL.B. student, Department of Law, World University of Bangladesh
