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Introduction

Background to the enactment of the Human Rights Act 1998. (HRA)

The ‘Bill of Rights Debate.’

Problem of Article 13 ECHR – Lustig-Prean v. United Kingdom judgment of 27/09/199.

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• Limits to use of European Convention in English Courts prior to HRA.

• Brind [1991] 1 AC 696

• A/G v. Guardian Newspapers [1987] 1 WLR 1248

• Derbyshire CC v. Times Newspapers [1992] QB 770

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• Labour Party Manifesto – 1997 election.

• Rights Brought Home Cm.3782 – October 1997

• Perceived Issues

• Human Rights Act 1998 – Royal Assent 09/11/1998. Came into force fully 02/10/2000.

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• S.2 HRA

• DUTY to take European Convention jurisprudence into account, where relevant.

• What if a court fails in this duty? – R v. Secretary of State for the Home Department ex p Amin [2003] UKHL 51

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• S.3 Interpretative Obligation

Fitzpatrick v. Sterling Housing Association [1999] 3 WLR 113

Mendoza v Ghaidan [2002] EWCA Civ 1533

Mendoza v. Ghaidan [2004] UKHL 30

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• S.4 The ‘Declaration of Incompatibility.’

• Triggers

• R (on the application of Anderson) v S of S for the Home Department [2002] UKHL 46

• What is the effect of a Declaration of Incompatibility? See s.4(6) HRA 1998.

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• S.6 Duty of ‘Public Authorities.’

• Who might be covered.

• Who is exempt?

• Is the duty absolute? -- Wilkinson v IRC [2003] EWCA Civ 814

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• S.7 Proceedings

• How is a remedy obtained?

• What can a Court award?

• Is Article 13 ECHR now satisfied?

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• S.8 Damages

• How will they be assessed?

• Will they be adequate?/