Legal Definitions - pursuit of happiness

The pursuit of happiness is a principle that is stated in the Declaration of Independence. It means that every person has the right to follow their own desires and goals, especially when it comes to their job or career, without the government interfering in an unjustified way.

For example, if someone wants to become an artist, they should be able to pursue that career without the government preventing them from doing so. Similarly, if someone wants to start their own business, they should be allowed to do that without unnecessary government regulations or restrictions.

Another example could be someone who wants to marry someone of the same gender. The pursuit of happiness means that they should be allowed to do so without the government interfering or discriminating against them.

These examples illustrate how the pursuit of happiness is about allowing individuals to make their own choices and pursue their own goals without unnecessary interference from the government.