noun
civil rights; public rights
Legal and political term referring to rights held by citizens in relation to the state, such as voting rights or freedom of speech. Often used in contrast to 私権 (private rights).
公権の行使は民主主義の基本だ。
The exercise of civil rights is fundamental to democracy.
憲法は国民の公権を保障している。
The constitution guarantees the public rights of the people.
Compound of 公 (public) and 権 (right, authority). The term is a modern coinage used in legal and political contexts, likely influenced by Western concepts of civil rights.