Question

The term "persona" from which the legal term "person" is derived, originally meant:

• A. A living human
• B. A mask
• C. A legal entity
• D. A rights-holder

Hint:

Think of the law as a stage. "Legal Persons" are the actors. They might be humans or companies, but they all wear the "mask" of personality to participate in legal actions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Legal personality is a concept where the law treats an entity as capable of having rights and duties.

• Etymology: Many legal terms have roots in ancient Latin and Greek culture.

• Legal Person: This includes both natural humans and artificial entities (corporations).

Step 1: Tracing the Historical Origin.
In ancient Roman theater, actors wore various facial coverings. The Latin word for such a

"mask" was

"persona". The mask represented the "part" or "role" the actor was playing on stage.

Step 2: Evolution into Legal Language.
Just as a mask allows an actor to play a role, legal personality allows an entity to play a "role" in law. Therefore, the original meaning of the term was a

mask.