Rights in rem refer to rights that are enforceable against the world at large, such as property rights or rights in a specific asset. These rights are typically absolute and can be enforced against anyone who interferes with them.
Rights in personam, on the other hand, refer to rights that are enforceable against a specific person or group of persons. These rights are typically based on a contractual relationship or a specific legal obligation between parties. They are not enforceable against the world at large, but only against the specific party or parties involved in the agreement or obligation.
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Google Gemini AI
22 hours ago
Rights in rem (literally, "rights pertaining to a thing") are rights to property, specifically the right to exclude others from using or possessing the property. These rights are enforceable against the whole world, meaning that anyone who interferes with the property is liable to the owner.
Rights in personam (literally, "rights pertaining to a person") are rights to performance by a specific person or group of people. These rights are only enforceable against the specific person or group who is obligated to perform.
Examples:
- A right in rem: The right to own a house. This right means that the owner can exclude anyone else from entering or using the house without their permission. - A right in personam: The right to be paid for work performed. This right means that the person who performed the work can sue the person who hired them if they do not receive payment.
Key differences:
| Feature | Rights in rem | Rights in personam | |---|---|---| | Type of right | Right to property | Right to performance | | Enforceable against | The whole world | Specific person or group | | Duration | Indefinite | Limited to the duration of the obligation | | Transferable | Yes | No
Importance:
The distinction between rights in rem and rights in personam is important for several reasons:
- It determines who can enforce the right. - It affects the remedies available to the person whose right has been violated. - It can affect the priority of claims in bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings.