liberty

Absence of servitude and restraint. A most broad and extensive concept, embracing every form and phase of individual right that is not necessarily taken away by some valid law for the common good. Wright v Hart, 12 NY 330, 75 NE 404. The right to do such acts as one may judge best for his interest, not inconsistent with the rights of others. Ex parte Drexel, 147 Cal 763, 82 P 429. The right to protection from violation of any of the fundamental conceptions of justice which lie at the base of our civil and political institutions. 16 Am J2d Const L § 358. As the word is used in the United States Constitution, it means not only freedom of the citizen from servitude and restraint, but is deemed to embrace the right of every man to be free in the use of his powers and faculties, and to adopt and pursue such avocation or calling as he may choose, subject only to the restraints necessary to secure the common welfare. There can be no liberty, protected by government, that is not regulated by such laws as will preserve the right of each citizen to pursue his own advancement and happiness in his own way, subject only to the restraints necessary to secure the same right to others. The fundamental principle upon which liberty is based, in free and enlightened government, is equality under the law of the land. Braceville Coal Co. v People, 147 111 66, 35 NE 62. See life, liberty, and property; life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. See also "freedom" and phrases beginning "freedom."