Human Rights Act: A Success Story?

This book seeks to examine the impact of the Human Rights Act legislation from the viewpoint of judges, lawyers, civil libertarians, politicians and academics.

• Investigation of the Human Rights Act since it came into force in 2000.
  
• Contributors include Sir Stephen Sedley, Thomas Mullen, Roger Smith and Lord Lester of Herne Hill.
  
• Offers insights and suggestions for developing a more effective, accessible and successful employment of the Human Rights Act.

The Human Rights Act came into force in 2000 and was hailed as a quantum leap in common law jurisprudence. Expectations were high as we moved from liberties to rights and from the unwritten to the written.

This book seeks to examine the impact of the legislation from the viewpoint of judges, lawyers, civil libertarians, politicians and academics. In particular, key sensitive areas are reviewed. For example, mental health, immigration and access to legal services are topics which receive critical attention.

The authors highlight both strengths and weaknesses in current practice. They offer insights and suggestions for development of a more effective, accessible and successful employment of the Human Rights Act.

Luke Clements is a Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff Law School.

Phil Thomas is Professor of Law and Director of Overseas Recruitment at Cardiff Law School.