(L. absolutus). 1. Unqualified; free from external restraint or limitation (as in CIC, c. 1096). 2. Free from doubt (as in the case of CIC, c. 129: absolute majority). 3. Complete and outright (as in CIC, cc. 695, 627, 683.1096, 1407). 4. Final and not liable to modification or termination (as in CIC, c. 1084).
Having complete right. By the “absolute right” of individuals is meant those which are so in their primary and strictest sense, such as would belong to their persons merely in a state of nature, and which every man is entitled to enjoy, whether out of society or in it. The rights of personal security, of personal liberty and private property do not depend upon the will of the legislator for their existence. The canon law does not use the term ‘absolute right;’ however, the concept finds it expression in the Codes. E.g. CIC, c. 747 declares “…and inherent right of the church independent of any human authority, to preach the Gospel to all the peoples…” Thus, it is a part of the nature of the church to proclaim the Gospel and therefore its absolute right. Similarly, CIC, c. 1260 asserts, “The church has the inherent right to acquire from the faithful whatever is necessary for its proper objective.”
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