Human rights solicitors

If you are being denied the basic human rights you are entitled to, the experienced solicitors at Nelson-Singleton Solicitors can help you with quality legal assistance. If you are based in Dromore, or anywhere in Northern Ireland, get in touch with us for further details.

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Protecting your human rights

The Human Rights Act came into effect on 2nd October 2000, it incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law. Nelson-Singleton Solicitors based in Dromore and Markethill are here to help you to understand the Human Rights Act and provide support where needed.

The Act includes the right to liberty and security, the right to a fair trial, the right to freedom of thought, concession and religion, the right to freedom of expression and it also prohibits discrimination. Previously, a British Citizen who felt that their rights under the convention had been breached by a public body would have to face the lengthy and expensive task of pursuing their claim through the European Court of Human Rights at Strasbourg. Now the matter will be able to go directly to Court in Britain. If the Court finds that the public authority has violated the person’s rights, it can award a just and appropriate remedy, which could include damages.

The new Act protecting human rights under 3 broad categories are:

Fundamental Rights – for example, the right to life and the right not to be subject to torture.
Procedural Rights – such as the right to a fair trial and a fair hearing.
Qualified Rights – like freedom of expression, the right to a private and family life, the right to freedom of association.

Using the Act to protect your human rights

If you think that a public body has breached your convention rights, you can take the authority to court. This is not necessarily straightforward and you should always speak to the expert team at Nelson-Singleton Solicitors to gain legal advice and support.

Proceedings under the Human Rights Act can be brought only by victims of a breach of the convention rights by a public authority. Interest groups will not be able to bring actions direct unless they meet the victim test, to find out more, book a free initial consultation today.