Changes in the absolute nature of  private property rights and its impact on the owner’s responsibility towards illegal entrants

Pilvar, Rahim

doi:10.22099/jls.2024.48067.4991

Changes in the absolute nature of private property rights and its impact on the owner’s responsibility towards illegal entrants

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Rahim Pilvar

AssociateProfessor of University of Tehran

10.22099/jls.2024.48067.4991

Abstract

This article explores the evolving balance between the right to life and the right to private property. It examines how societal shifts have led to restrictions on the absolute nature of property ownership and how these changes have influenced legal rulings regarding the responsibilities of property owners toward unauthorized entrants.
One of the fundamental challenges in any society is to reconcile conflicting rights and interests. The right to life and the right to private property are two such rights that can sometimes clash. Traditionally, property ownership was viewed as an absolute right, granting the owner complete dominion over their property. However, as societal values have evolved, there has been a growing recognition that the right to life is paramount and that property owners cannot exercise their rights in a way that infringes upon the rights of others.
The concept of absolute ownership has its roots in individualism, which posits that each person's property is their personal domain. This idea has been challenged by the increasing emphasis on social responsibility and the need to protect the rights of all individuals. As a result, various restrictions have been imposed on property ownership, limiting the absolute power that owners once enjoyed.
One significant factor that has contributed to these changes is the strengthening of the idea that human life and dignity must be respected. The right to life is considered the most fundamental of all rights, and it takes precedence over other rights in cases of conflict. This principle is enshrined in international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
In Islam, the Qur'an clearly states that the right to life is the most important right. Taking the life of another is considered equivalent to killing the entire society. This principle is reflected in the Declaration of Islamic Human Rights, which guarantees the right to life and prohibits any aggression against it.
The view that property owners have absolute power to control their property, even if this leads to harm or damage to others, has gradually been abandoned. This shift in thinking is evident in the laws of many countries and in the opinions of legal experts. Today, the arguments in favor of human life are given more weight than those supporting property rights.
In Iran, the Islamic Penal Code has been amended to reflect these changing views. Articles 507 and 508 of the code now impose restrictions on property owners in their dealings with unauthorized entrants. This represents a significant departure from the previous approach, which held property owners harmless for any harm caused to unauthorized entrants.
In conclusion, the absolute nature of property ownership has declined over time due to societal pressures and a growing emphasis on human rights. This shift in thinking has led to restrictions on property owners' rights and a greater recognition of their responsibilities towards others. By understanding this intellectual evolution, we can better appreciate the laws and regulations that govern property rights today.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Private law

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