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'Civil liberties and human rights have been eroded in recent years' - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 4
'Civil liberties and human rights have been eroded in recent years'. Discuss.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Civil liberties and human rights have been eroded in recent years' - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Introduction
Answer
In recent years, the debate surrounding civil liberties and human rights has intensified, particularly with regard to the impact of government policies introduced since the year 2000. This discussion aims to explore arguments for and against the idea that these fundamental rights have been eroded.
Step 2
Arguments for Erosion
Answer
Several key points highlight the erosion of civil liberties:
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Government Measures: Since 2000, successive governments have passed legislation aimed at curtailing civil liberties, often justified by national security concerns. Examples include increased surveillance, restrictions on protests, and limitations on the jury trial process.
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Terrorism and Security: Government rhetoric often invokes the threat of terrorism, leading to the imposition of measures that many believe infringe upon personal freedoms. These include extended custody periods without charge and increased police powers.
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Judicial Independence: Access to justice has been restricted with measures that limit the provision of legal aid, making it difficult for individuals to challenge state actions.
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Hostility Towards Human Rights: There is a growing sentiment among some MPs that the European Court of Human Rights and the Human Rights Act are obstacles to governance, revealing a shift in attitude towards these instruments meant to protect individuals.
Step 3
Arguments Against Erosion
Answer
On the other hand, some argue that civil liberties and human rights have not been eroded, citing the following points:
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Enhancements to Rights: The Human Rights Act (HRA) provides a framework for upholding rights, and the UK Parliament actively oversees its implementation, reflecting ongoing commitment to personal freedoms.
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Public Vigilance: Increased public awareness and activism, particularly through social media, has cultivated a culture of accountability. Groups like Liberty play a significant role in challenging government actions that threaten rights.
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Judicial Review: There has been an increase in judicial review instances, showing that the judiciary remains a crucial guardian of individual rights against potential government overreach.
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High-Profile Cases: Numerous high-profile cases indicate that civil liberties are still robust and that individual rights can triumph over governmental attempts to limit them.
Step 4
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while there are compelling arguments on both sides regarding the erosion of civil liberties and human rights, it is essential to critically assess the implications of government actions and the responses from civil society. The ongoing debate is crucial to safeguard individual freedoms in a liberal-democratic society.