The Ninth Amendment of the Constitution is below. What is the main purpose of this amendment, and why is it so general?

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

1 answer

The main purpose of the Ninth Amendment is to affirm that the rights of individuals are not limited to just those explicitly listed in the Constitution. It serves as a safeguard against the interpretation that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution means that other unenumerated rights do not exist or are not protected. Essentially, it acknowledges that the people hold additional rights that are inherent and should not be overlooked simply because they are not specifically mentioned.

The general nature of the Ninth Amendment reflects a recognition of the complexity and breadth of human rights, which cannot be exhaustively detailed in any legal document. It aims to ensure that the enumeration of specific rights does not lead to a narrowing of individual liberties and serves as a reminder that rights extend beyond those explicitly outlined in the constitutional text. This generality allows for the adaptability of rights as society evolves and new understandings of liberty emerge, protecting the rights of individuals from being diminished or denied.