Human rights law

Advising the public sector on the application and importance of Convention principles and the Human Rights Act 1998.

The responsibility of protecting human rights is a key concern for all public sector bodies. And with regulatory compliance with the Human Rights Act essential - both in terms of organisational policies and on the ground decisions - the right legal advice and support is vital.

At Weightmans we provide an extensive range of legal services to the public sector, from planning matters to member conduct, adult social services through to child care law, education and litigation. As such, our experience and understanding of this sector makes our lawyers uniquely placed to advise on human rights matters. 

From policy drafting and governance, mental health and Court of Protection matters, data protection issues, damages claims for alleged human rights violations and judicial review - the process by which the Administrative Court ensures public bodies act fairly - we proactively work with you to make sure you are protected.

Delivering clear and cogent advice on how public bodies can lawfully exercise their powers, we take particular care to manage matters efficiently and sensibly. Bringing cases to an early conclusion where appropriate, minimising the risk of adverse publicity.

We act for a diverse range of public sector clients, including having successfully defended a claim in the Supreme Court alleging a breach of human rights arising from the provision of education (A v Essex County Council [2010]). We also acted for the police in the landmark House of Lords case of Van Colle v Chief Constable of Hertfordshire [2009].