Legal Definitions - droit

Definition: Droit (drwah or droyt) is a French word that means "right." It has two meanings:

1. A legal right or claim.
2. The whole body of law.

Examples:

• As a legal right or claim: If you own a property, you have the droit to use it, sell it, or rent it.
• As the whole body of law: The droit civil (civil law) is the legal system used in France and other countries influenced by French law.

The first example illustrates how droit can refer to a specific legal right or entitlement that a person has over something they own. The second example shows how droit can refer to an entire legal system or body of law that governs a particular jurisdiction or country.