have a right to

Idioms  

1. Have a just or legal claim on something or on some action, as in The accused has a right to legal counsel. The related have the right to is often used with infinitives, as in You have the right to remain silent. [Late 1300s] The antonym, dating from the mid-1600s, is have no right to, as in He has no right to push you aside. Also see in the right.

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Example Sentences

California voters have a right to decide what “consumer” products are sold in their state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

"The main thing was bringing the language to yourself and not feeling like you don't have a right to Shakespeare, because everybody does."

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Defendants have a right to have a preliminary hearing, in which a judge determines whether prosecutors have enough evidence to bring a case to trial, within 10 business days.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

The idea that citizens have a right to access information of the kind made possible by the Presidential Records Act can be traced back to the Enlightenment.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

Like I have a right to be there if I want.

From "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes