What is a defining feature of legal rights?

The defining feature of legal rights is that they can differ across regions and cultures. This reflects the nature of law being created and enforced by specific governmental systems or institutions that embody the values and norms of the society they govern. Variation arises due to differences in social, economic, political, and cultural contexts, leading to distinct legal frameworks in different places.

While legal rights can be based on moral principles, and some may argue that certain rights should be universally recognized or inherent to human nature, these perspectives do not determine the legal status of rights as they are defined and applied in practice. Instead, the practical implications of law being meted out based on local statutes and customs highlight that legal rights vary significantly across geographical and cultural boundaries. This understanding is crucial for recognizing how rights operate within various legal systems and the social contracts of diverse societies.