The Right to Privacy

The Right to Privacy, written by Samuel D. Warren and Louis D. Brandeis in 1890, is a foundational legal treatise advocating for the recognition of privacy as a fundamental right. The authors address the challenges individuals face in safeguarding their private lives amid the rise of media and technology, particularly focusing on the impact of photography and press coverage. This work argues for the expansion of common law to protect against unauthorized intrusions, emphasizing the psychological harm caused by public exposure. It significantly influenced legal thought and legislation regarding personal privacy rights.