What is the principle of 'standing' ?

• A. A claim that a defendant was personally subjected to the unconstitutional conduct
• B. The defendant's status as a party to the violation
• C. A claim that a witness was present during the violation
• D. The right to appeal a ruling

Answer: (A)

Standing means you must have a personal stake in the outcome—an injury in fact—that is caused by the challenged conduct and likely to be redressed by the court. Saying that the individual was personally subjected to the unconstitutional conduct shows this direct, personal connection and harm, which is why this option best matches the concept. Simply being a party to the violation, a witness’s presence, or the right to appeal does not establish the necessary personal injury or stake required to have standing.