Prisoner voting rights

Question 1

What was the result of the 2005 Hirst v UK case?

Answer 1

The ECHR declared that a blanket ban on all prisoners was a HR violation

Question 2

Name the three bodies that have been the biggest supporters of the reform

Answer 2

• Amnesty international
• The Howard league for penal reform
• The Prison Reform Trust

Question 3

What have the supporting bodies done to aid the cause?

Answer 3

• Supported over 2000 legal challenges
• Produced articles
• Set up petitions
• Used insider status to lobby politicians

Question 4

What is the ultimate goal of the campaign?

Answer 4

To extend the franchise to prisoners serving less than 1 year

Question 5

When did Scotland extend the franchise to prisoners serving less than one year?

Answer 5

2020

Question 6

List the arguements in favour

Answer 6

• Removing civic rights and responsibilities makes rehabilitation harder
• No evidence disenfranchisement is a deterrent
• The right to vote is fundamental and can’t be removed
• Alienates prisoners from society
• ECHR ruled a blanket ban on all prisoners to be a HR violation

Question 7

List the arguements against

Answer 7

• Those who commit crimes against society should lose their say in how it is run
• Threat of losing suffrage could prevent crime
• Giving criminals a say undermines justice
• Prisoners are unlikely to remain in the constituency after release so should not select its MP

Question 8

What is the deciding factor in whether you support or oppose?

Answer 8

Whether or not you consider the right to vote to be fundamental