1.4 Rights in context Flashcards
What are human rights?
Fundamental rights that belong to every individual regardless of nationality or citizenship, seen as universal and inalienable. Examples include the right to life and the right to freedom of expression.
What are civil liberties?
Specific rights granted to citizens by the state, often focused on freedoms from government interference. Examples include the right to a fair trial.
How do civil rights differ from human rights?
Civil rights are specific to a country, while human rights apply to all people everywhere.
What are some examples of civil rights in the UK?
Civil rights in the UK include individual rights, like privacy and freedom of speech, and collective rights, such as protection from violence and the right to a clean environment.
How has the absence of a written constitution influenced citizens’ rights in the UK?
UK citizens’ rights have been shaped by historical events like the signing of Magna Carta, court rulings that set legal precedents, and Acts of Parliament, rather than a single document.
What are negative or residual rights in British tradition?
Negative or residual rights mean people are free to do anything unless the law specifically forbids it. If something isn’t explicitly banned, it is considered a right.
Where are British rights found if not in a single document?
British rights come from a combination of laws, important court decisions, and constitutional developments.
What is the Magna Carta (1215)?
the Magna Carta was the first document to say that even the king had to follow the law. It introduced ideas like fair trials and basic rights, becoming a foundation for rights and justice in Britain.
What did the Bill of Rights (1689) establish?
It created a constitutional monarchy where William III agreed to rule with Parliament’s consent, ensuring the king had to follow the law.
What was the significance of Somerset v Stewart (1772)?
Lord Mansfield declared slavery in the UK illegal, as there was no law supporting it, setting a precedent for the end of slavery in Britain.
What precedent was set in Entick v Carrington (1765)?
It ruled that government officials can’t act without legal permission, helping protect people’s rights from misuse of power.
What was achieved by the Representation of the People Act (1928)?
It granted everyone in the UK the right to vote, establishing universal suffrage.
