Human Rights Law in the UK
Themes and Principles

Offers rich analysis of UK and European human rights law, human rights theory, and academic scholarship.

Kirsty Hughes (Author), Stevie Martin (Author), Stephanie Palmer (Author)

9781316515006, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 October 2025

952 pages
24.4 x 17 x 4.9 cm, 1.934 kg

'A vital, necessary, meticulous and magisterially accessible account of human rights law in Britain, more important than ever – a first point of reference in times of uncertainty and threat to the basic rights of all individuals and groups.' Phillipe Sands, KC, FBA, FRSL

This book offers a rich analysis of many aspects of human rights law in the UK and the European legal framework while also including critiques of human rights and the varying conceptions of rights. This book has the advantage of engaging with both Strasbourg caselaw, domestic jurisprudence and the academic scholarship. The issues covered include the right to life, the prohibition of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, abortion and assisted dying, modern slavery and human trafficking, terrorism, immigration, privacy, hate speech, protest, religion, equality and non-discrimination.

Foreword Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE
Preface
Table of cases
1. The nature of rights and critiques of human rights
2. The human rights law framework in the UK
3. The European human rights framework
4. The right to life
5. Freedom from torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
6. Human rights at the beginning and end of life: abortion, withdrawal/refusal of treatment and assisted dying
7. Modern slavery and human trafficking
8. Terrorism
9. Article 8 echr and immigration
10. Privacy and freedom of expression
11. Hate speech
12. The right to protest
13. Freedom of thought, conscience and religion
14. Non-discrimination and equality
Index.

Subject Areas: Human rights & civil liberties law [LNDC]