Introduction

The Human Rights Act represents the most important change to the English Legal System this century. However, many of our existing laws, practices and procedures are already compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (The Convention).

This pre-event reading pack is the second part of magistrates' training on the Human Rights Act which is due to be implemented on 2nd October, 2000. By now you will have heard the first part, the tape, outlining some background to the Act and how it might affect you as a magistrate.

You will get the most from this pack if you read the sections in the order they are presented. Please read the pack before you attend the third and last part of the training programme, the one-day workshop. This will give you an opportunity to put the learning into practice and feel more confident when you are sitting in court.

This pack is not intended to be a definitive legal guide to the Act; it is a 'taster', to give you a broad picture of the impact that the legislation will have. Space has been provided at the foot of each page for you to make notes and some words have been further explained in the glossary of terms in Appendix 2. Where possible, examples from magistrates' courts decided by the Court of Human Rights have been included to illustrate key points.

If you have any questions or concerns please talk to your Justices' Clerk or Human Rights trainer. At the end of the pack you will find a list of further reading if you wish to explore the Act in more depth.

After reading the pack, you should have an understanding of:

• The reasons for the changes including the role of the Act
• The changes in thinking that will be required
• The differing types of Rights
• The main Convention principles
• The Articles most likely to affect the magistrates' courts
• Appeals in the context of Human Rights

General Enquiries

If you should have any queries, regarding this or other material, please contact the JSB:

Judicial Studies Board
9th Millbank Tower
Millbank
London SW1P 4QU
United Kingdom
Telephone: 020 7217 4778

Email: jsb.web@jsb.gsi.gov.uk