Which of the following is an essential principle in the limitation of rights?

The principle that limiting rights must follow a legal procedure is critical in the context of international human rights law. This means that any restriction or limitation imposed on an individual's rights must be prescribed by law and adhere to specific legal standards. This is to ensure that the limitations are not arbitrary but are instead justified, necessary, and proportionate to achieving a legitimate aim, such as national security, public order, or the rights of others.

Such legal procedures are integral because they provide safeguards against abuse and ensure that there is a transparent process for how and why rights can be limited. This approach aligns with various human rights instruments, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which states that any limitations on rights must be provided by law and may only be necessary for specific reasons.

Other options, while they may touch on related concepts, do not align with the fundamental requirement of legal processes in the limitation of rights. Unanimous consent is impractical in many situations and not a standard requirement for legitimate limitations. Government discretion in limiting rights could lead to arbitrary decisions that might infringe upon individuals’ freedoms unjustly. Similarly, viewing the limitation of rights as a subjective process undermines the need for objectivity and legal framework that should guide such limitations.