Rights of Sentience

The Rights of Sentience were one of the most well-known clauses of the Galactic Constitution. It set out the rights that all members of the Old Republic were entitled to, including:


 * The formal outlawing of slavery.
 * The declaration that all sentient lifeforms were equal, and should be treated as such.
 * All Republic citizens were entitled to all rights enshrined in the Constitution, including suffrage, protection from undue hardships, etc.

When the Constitution was written (c. 25,000 BBY) the Rights of Sentience were one of the most radical sections of it. However, throughout its history, the Republic was hard-pressed to enforce the Rights, especially in its outlying regions. In the New Order, it was replaced with Human High Culture. This act was reinstated when the New Republic Common Charter was drafted.

Behind the scenes

 * The Rights of Sentience is similar to the real-world Magna Charta, or the anglican Bills of Rights. Considering that the Galactic Constitution was in large part inspired by the United States Constitution, it can be assumed that the Rights of Sentience is the in-universe equivalent of the United States Bill of Rights.

Appearances

 * Cloak of Deception
 * Children of the Jedi
 * Planet of Twilight