A man considered according to the rank he holds in society, with all the rights to which the place he holds entitles him, and the duties which it Imposes. 1 Bouv. Inst .no. 137. A human being considered as capable of having rights and of being charged with duties; while a “thing” is the object over which rights may be exercised. Artificial persons. Such as are created and devised by law for the purposes of society and government, called “corporations” or “bodies politic.” Natural persons. Such as are formed by nature, as distinguished from artificial persons, or corporations. Private person. An individual who is not the incumbent of an office.