Legal Definitions - disenfranchisement

Definition: Disenfranchisement is the act of taking away someone's right to vote in public elections. It can also refer to the act of depriving a member of a corporation or organization of a right by expulsion.

Examples: In the United States, some states have passed laws that require voters to show specific forms of identification in order to vote. This can lead to disenfranchisement of certain groups of people who may not have access to the required identification. Another example of disenfranchisement is when a member of a club or organization is expelled and loses their right to participate in the group's activities.

Explanation: The examples illustrate how disenfranchisement can occur in different contexts. In the case of voter ID laws, certain groups of people, such as low-income individuals or minorities, may be disproportionately affected and lose their right to vote. In the case of organizational disenfranchisement, a member may lose their right to participate in decision-making or other activities within the group. Overall, disenfranchisement involves taking away someone's rights or privileges, often in a way that is unfair or discriminatory.