Human Rights
On 6 October 2000, 50 years after signing the European Convention
for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the United
Kingdom Government finally incorporated the Convention into UK domestic
law.
The Home Office described the Human Rights Act 1998 as "'one
of the most significant pieces of constitutional legislation enacted
in the United Kingdom. It is a key part of the Government's programme
to encourage a society where the rights and responsibilities of our
citizens are clearly recognised and properly balanced".
The Human Rights Act makes it unlawful for a public authority to act
against any Right set out in the Act and allows cases to be brought
in a UK court against the public authority where a breach has occurred.
From October 2000 onwards, it is now possible to bring Court proceedings
in the appropriate UK Court against a public authority. Anyone who
considers that, through the actions or decisions of a public authority,
they have unlawfully interfered with that person's human rights, Court
action can be brought. Further, if you feel that there is a risk that
a public authority will interfere with your rights in the future, you
may also bring Court proceedings to prevent those rights from being
infringed.
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