Legal Definitions - zone of privacy

Definition: The zone of privacy refers to a set of fundamental privacy rights that are not explicitly stated in the Bill of Rights but are implied by its express guarantees. It is also known as the right of privacy.

Examples: The zone of privacy includes the right to make personal decisions about marriage, family, and procreation without government interference. It also includes the right to keep personal information, such as medical records and financial information, confidential.

For example, the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade established a woman's right to privacy in making decisions about her own body, including the decision to have an abortion. This decision was based on the idea that the Constitution protects a woman's right to privacy in matters of personal health and family planning.

Another example is the case of Griswold v. Connecticut, which established the right to privacy in the use of contraceptives. The Supreme Court ruled that the state could not prohibit the use of contraceptives by married couples, as this violated their right to privacy in making decisions about their own bodies and family planning.

These examples illustrate how the zone of privacy protects individuals from government intrusion into personal decisions and information. It recognizes that individuals have a right to make choices about their own lives without interference from the state.