Human Rights Flashcards
Entick v Carrington [1765]
Traditionally we relied on the judges to protect our civil liberties when developing the common law. Established common law position – Government of the day must act within the law. Courts will protect our freedoms and civil liberties.
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
- European convention for the Protection of Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Freedoms 1950
- Enacted by the council of Europe.
- Based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Came into force September 3rd 1953.
The council of Europe
- At the time - representatives of 25 European states.
- Today - 46 member states.
- Cooperate on issues of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
European Court of Human Rights
Oversees the convention - hears cases against individual states by other states and by their citizens.
Principles of interpretation: “Living instrument”
- Eg, Article 3
- Definition of torture has changed over the years.
Principles of interpretation: “object and purpose.”
- To protect individual rights
- Court will look behind the exact words used and look at the purpose behind them
- Eg, Article 2 - right to life.
Principles of interpretation: “practical and effective.”
- ECtHR may read words in
- Eg, Article 2 - Right to life
- Eg, Article 6 - Right to a fair trial.
Principles of interpretation: “Margin of appreciation.”
- State given some freedom to regulate its own activities
- Why? Some rights politically sensitive, or involve religious/cultural/moral/ethical issues where there is a diversity of traditions
Convention rights: Article 2 - Right to life
- Everyones right to life shall be protected by the law.
Right to life continued:
- Deprivation of life shall not be regarded as inflicted in contravention of this article when it results from the use of force which is no more than absolutely necessary:
(a) In defence of any person from unlawful violence;
(b) In order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained;
(c) In action lawfully taken for the purpose of quelling a riot or insurrection.
McCann v UK [1996]
- Shooting of IRA suspects by SAS officers.
- Alleged breach of Art 2
- UK Government argued shootings necessary to protect the lives of others(believed bomb about to be detonated by suspects)
- ECtHR held that the shootings were not absolutely necessary as required by Art. 2
Convention rights, Article 2 - Duty to investigate suspicious deaths:
Article 2 used by the families of the victims of the Hillsborough disaster to get inquest into the deaths.
Convention rights, Article 2 - Duty to protect lives: Osman v UK [1999]
Wife and son of deceased brought a claim under Art 2 after state failed to protect husband/father who was murdered by teacher of the son who had been stalking the family.
Convention rights, Article 3 - Freedom from torture, inhumane and degrading treatment
No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Ireland v UK [1978]: Torture:
Deliberate inhumane treatment causing very serious and cruel suffering.
Ireland v UK [1978]: Inhuman treatment:
Would cause intense physical and mental or psychiatric suffering.