Vulnerability and Family Solidarity in Czech Law

Human life unfolds in stages, in which the degree of dependence on the family gradually changes. Further, every human life has periods of vulnerability – being a minor child, a person with a disability, or an elderly person – which is expressed by the universal vulnerability thesis. In addition to this general thesis, the doctrine expresses the specific vulnerability thesis regarding refugees, both types of homelessness, and minorities. The law previously focused its attention on the protection of these vulnerable persons. However, this paternalistic paradigm is currently complemented by the demand to strengthen respect for the autonomy of the will of vulnerable persons. Therefore, the Czech Civil Code provides vulnerable persons with both the protection and the space for a dignified expression of their will. This extends beyond representation to include respect, assistance and support. This approach strengthens the material equality between people and the balance in private-law relations. Finally, the role of the family and family solidarity is gaining importance.