Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (French: La Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen) is one of the fundamental documents of the French Revolution, defining a set of individual rights and collective rights of the people. It was adopted August 26, 1789, by the National Constituent Assembly (Assemblée Nationale Constituante), as the first step toward writing a constitution.

Related Topics:
French - French Revolution - August 26 - 1789 - National Constituent Assembly - Constitution

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Unlike the United States Bill of Rights, it is intended to be of universal value. It sets forth fundamental rights not only of French citizens but acknowledges these rights to all men without exception:

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: "First Article – Men are born and remain free and equal in rights. Social distinctions can be founded only on the common utility."

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The principles set forth in the declaration are of constitutional value in present-day French law and may be used to oppose legislation or other government activities.

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