What is the "right to privacy"?

The right to privacy is best understood as an implied right that allows individuals to make personal decisions without government interference. This concept is derived from several amendments in the U.S. Constitution, where the courts have recognized that certain rights, while not explicitly stated, are essential for individual autonomy and dignity.

For instance, the Supreme Court has interpreted the Bill of Rights as creating zones of privacy. Landmark cases such as Griswold v. Connecticut and Roe v. Wade established that personal decisions regarding family, marriage, and reproductive choices fall under this right. Thus, the right to privacy encompasses various aspects of personal life, safeguarding individuals from unwarranted governmental intrusion into their personal matters.

This understanding of the right to privacy reflects the broader themes of liberty and personal freedom that are foundational in American constitutional law.