Standing back from the Human Rights Act: how effective is it five years on?

Abstract

Evaluates the effectiveness of the Human Rights Act 1998 five years after its commencement. Explains the legislative intentions underpinning the Act and reflects on how well these have been achieved, using case law to demonstrate the courts' approach to such goals as: (1) improving compliance with human rights principles; (2) interpreting domestic legislation in a manner compatible with the Act; (3) imposing obligations on public authorities through the doctrine of horizontal effect; and (4) modifying the grounds of judicial review.