Aims

• To provide up-to-date material for teachers on the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA). This Act is of fundamental importance to all UK citizens and comes into force on 2 October 2000.
• Background information and activities provide opportunities for students to explore the workings of the Act and how it will affect them.
• The rights incorporated in the HRA are drafted in a broad manner. At present it is uncertain how the English courts will interpret the Act on a day-to-day basis. Activities encourage students to think creatively within a legal context, to look at the evidence and make reasoned judgements.
• Links to other relevant websites enable teachers and students to access further information.

These notes do not always refer directly to the two Off Limits programmes entitled Human Rights. They may, however, be used alongside the programmes to provide relevant information on the recent Human Rights Act. Some of the activities for students do relate to the programmes.