The Human Rights Act 1998 Print this Fact Sheet

The European Convention on Human Rights came into force in 1953. It was essentially introduced at the time of the cold war and contained such rights which were an attempt to promote anti soviet propaganda.

The Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) incorporates into English law the European Convention on Human Rights

The Act for UK purposes effectively came into force on the 1st October 2000.

The principal rights, which the European Convention on Human Rights confers, are as follows:

* The right to a fair trial in Criminal and Civil proceedings
* The right to liberty
* The right to life
* The right to respect for privacy
* The right to freedom of expression
* The qualified right to equality
* The right to property
* Prohibition of torture
* Prohibition of slavery and forced labour
* No punishment without lawful authority
* Right to liberty and security
* Freedom of thought, conscious and religion
* Freedom of assembly and association
* Right to marry v Prohibition against discrimination
* Protection of property v Right to education
* Right to free elections

The Role of The Human Rights Act 1988

1.