Define: Natural Person

A living, breathing human being, as opposed to a legal entity such as a corporation. Different rules and protections apply to natural persons and corporations, such as the US Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, which applies only to natural persons.

In jurisprudence, a natural person is a human being perceptible through the senses and subject to physical laws, as opposed to an artificial, legal or juristic person, i.e., an organization that the law treats for some purposes as if it were a person distinct from its members or owner.

For example, such legal provisions as Amendment XIX to the United States Constitution, which guarantees a woman’s right to vote, apply to natural persons only. In many cases fundamental human rights are implicitly granted only to natural persons; for example, a corporation cannot hold public office, but it can file a lawsuit.

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.