evolution of rights

Question 1

define human rights

Answer 1

• universal set of rights that should be assigned to everyone from birth

Question 2

define civil liberties

Answer 2

• rights given for being a member of society
  —> silence and speech, fair hearing, free and fair elections, political rights

Question 3

when was the human rights act passed and what does it mean

Answer 3

• passed in 1998
  british courts could hear complaints of human rights rather than the european court in Strasbourg

Question 4

what are the strengths of uk rights

Answer 4

• strong traditions in particular common law
• independant judiciary seperate for parliament and politics
• role of PGs is strong
• uk is signed up to echr through hra

Question 5

what are weaknesses of rights in the uk?

Answer 5

• parliament is sovereign and can pass laws infringing civil liberties
• aftermath of brexit vote meant judges were attacked and their position politicised
• pressure groups can and have been ignored by government
• parliament can ignore the ECHR and could even repeal the HRA