Human Rights for the New Millennium

The British Institute of Human Rights has long argued the case for incorporation of the European Convention of Human Rights into UK law. But how does the Human Rights Act achieve this and what changes will it make to the legal, social and political landscape? This book analyzes the historical and political imperatives behind evolving human rights legislation and provides a detailed examination of the interpretative record of the judiciary so far. The mechanics of implementation of the Act are explored in detail: who has rights, who has responsibilities and how these are enforced. There is in-depth analysis of three specific areas affected by the new legislation: criminal justice, equality and employment, and disputes within families. In each case, the potential in the Human Rights Act, assisted by Strasbourg decisions and other international jurisprudence, is tested against the prevailing position under domestic law. Finally, there is reflection on the UK’s other international human rights commitments and scrutiny of governmental compliance with them. With contributions from leading human rights lawyers, jurists and thinkers, this book deconstructs the Human Rights Act and explains its meaning and significance.