The European Convention on Human Rights Flashcards
What are the two ways in which proceedings may commence regarding the ECHR?
- State applications (1 state to another)
- Individual petitions to the ECtHR
What are the requirements for individual petitions to the ECtHR?
Must be shown that an domestic remedies that exist have been exhausted
Petition must be made within 6 months of final decision in domestic court
Applications must personally and directly be victims of violations of the ECHR and must have suffered a significant disadvantage
What are the remedies available for an individual petitioning to the ECtHR?
Compensation
Require state to change its law - however, no binding force on domestic law
What are the two stages in cases brought before the ECtHR?
Admissibility stage and merits stage
Is there a right of appeal against a case deemed inadmissible?
No
What are the three types of convention rights?
Absolute, limited and qualified rights
What are absolute rights under the ECHR?
Rights which can never be interfered with BY THE STATE in any circumstances
What are limited rights under the ECHR?
Rights which can be limited in clearly defined and finite situations
What are qualified rights under the ECHR?
Rights that require a balance between the rights of the individual and wider public interest - may be interfered with to protect and important general interest or the rights of others
Which rights are absolute?
2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12
Which rights are limited?
5, 6
Which rights are qualified?
8, 9, 10, 11, Article of Protocol 1
What are some absolute rights under the ECHR?
Right to life (Article 2)
Freedom from torture, inhuman and degrading treatment (Article 3)
Freedom from slavery (Article 4)
Fair trial (Article 6)
What are some limited rights under the ECHR?
Liberty and security of the person (Article 5)
When can a restriction on a qualified right be relied upon?
It if is prescribed by law, has a legitimate aim and is necessary in a democratic society
What are examples of legitimate aims which are frequently specified in the Convention?
- Interests of national security, public safety or the economic well-being of the country
- Prevention of disorder or crim
- Protection of health or morals
- Protection of the rights or freedoms of others
- Prevention or disclosure of information received in confidence
- Maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary
What does it mean to say that qualifications under ECHR must be “necessary in a democratic society”?
There must be a “pressing social need” and the interference with the ECHR right must be proportionate
Under Article 15 of the ECHR, when may a state derogate from part of the ECHR?
In time of war or other public emergency threatening the life of the nation