Rights In Context

Question 1

What did the bill of rights 1689 outline

Answer 1

Established parliamentary sovereignty, limiting the power of the monarchy.
• Guaranteed certain rights, such as freedom of speech in Parliament and free elections.

Question 2

What did the magna carta 1215 outline

Answer 2

Limited the power of the monarchy and established the principle that no one, not even the king, is above the law.

Question 3

What did the The Human Rights Act (1998) outline

Answer 3

Allowed UK courts to enforce human rights without needing to go to the European Court of Human Rights.
• Ensured rights such as the right to privacy, fair trial, and freedom from discrimination.

Question 4

What did the The Equality Act (2010) outline

Answer 4

Protected individuals from discrimination based on characteristics like age, gender, race, disability, religion, and sexual orientation.

Question 5

What did the Representation of the People Acts (1832–1969) outline

Answer 5

A series of laws gradually expanded the right to vote, removing property restrictions and eventually granting universal suffrage.

Question 6

Importance of HRA 1998- what did it outline

Answer 6

1. Incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into UK law
   • Allows UK courts to hear human rights cases directly, without going to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
   
   2. Protects core rights
      • Includes rights like the right to life, fair trial, privacy, freedom of expression, and protection from torture.
   3. Limits government power
      • Public bodies (including police, councils, NHS, etc.) must act in accordance with the HRA, holding them accountable.
   4. Judicial review and interpretation
      • Courts can issue a “declaration of incompatibility” if UK law conflicts with human rights—pressuring Parliament to amend the law.