What you can Expect from Us
We are serious about fighting for justice and have over 20 years experience in the legal profession.
We pre-vet your case free of charge within 2 hours whenever possible and without obligation.
If you have a good case we quickly pass it to a senior barrister who will consider it for no win no fee. A small administrative fee is only payable when we seek a barrister's opinion. If the barrister agrees, he will take on the case on a no win no fee basis.
We can also insure you against paying your opponent's legal costs. Our Panel barristers and solicitors don't just run cases - they win cases and it is they and not you who take the risk.
What is the "Human Rights Act 1998"?
This Act is of enormous significance. It defines the Convention rights and Protocols to the extent that they are meant to apply in domestic law.
Section 4 empowers the higher courts to make a declaration of incompatibility where in any proceedings dealing with primary legislation the court is satisfied that some provision is incompatible with Convention Rights. There are six courts that have this power:-
- Supreme Court
- Judicial committee of the Privy Council
- Court of Appeal
- High Court
- Courts Martial Appeal Court
- Scottish High Court
Under Section 3.6, it is unlawful for a public authority to act in a way which is incompatible with a Convention right. The term “public authority” includes courts, the police, prison service, government departments and local authorities.
In terms of remedy, the limitation period is basically one year. There is power to award damages or such other relief as is just in the circumstances.
Section 4 respects the right to life, liberty and security of person. The death penalty is abolished. The Act prohibits torture, inhuman and degrading treatment; slavery. The Act provides for a fair trial and no punishment without law. It provides for respect for private and family life. Similarly for freedom of thought, conscience and religion. It also respects freedom of expression and decries discrimination. It therefore embodies a number of concepts designed to do as the Act suggests – provide and protect Human Rights.
What is the European Convention on human rights?
It is an international treaty which stresses the individual and political rights rather than collective, economic, social and cultural rights. It is designed to protect the interests in a uniform fashion so as to provide basic requirements.
What is meant by the "European Court"?
Certain legal cases can be heard by the Court in Europe. Protocol 2 gave the Court power to provide advisory opinions. Protocol 9 permitted individuals to bring cases before the Court subject to ratification by the respondent state and acceptance by a screening panel. The present structure of the Court as a permanent body with full-time judges was established on the 1st November 1998.