by rights

1. Justly, in fairness, as in By rights he should have been chosen first. Originally put as by right, this term was first recorded about 1315.

Example Sentences

Midthunder’s athletic portrayal of a woman coming of age on her own terms should, by rights, open more creators’ minds to the possibility of seeing more characters fit to follow her path.

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In April, he was sentenced to 18 years behind bars on charges of "conspiracy against state security" and "belonging to a terrorist group" in a mass trial criticised by rights groups.

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She faced internal opposition as the country's first female leader but was initially welcomed by rights groups for easing restrictions on the opposition and media.

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Its elections are considered by rights groups to be a little more free than those on the mainland, but have often been marred by violence.

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The group cited a report released in May by rights group Amnesty International, which said that at least 10,217 people had been killed since President Bola Tinubu took office two years ago.

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