Human, Moral, Legal & Political Rights (AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

Citizens in the UK have a range of rights that shape how they live, participate in society and engage with the law

• These rights come from different sources and serve different purposes

Human rights are basic rights that belong to every person

They are usually written into a country’s constitution or laws

In the UK, human rights are protected through documents such as the Human Rights Act (1998)

These rights include:

• democratic rights, such as freedom of expression

• legal rights, such as the right to a fair trial

• social and economic rights such as access to education

• moral and religious freedoms

Human rights can be challenged or changed through courts or Parliament, but they must also be safeguarded by government and public authorities

Moral rights come from personal beliefs about what is right or wrong. They are shaped by factors such as:

• family upbringing

• culture

• religion

• community expectations

In some societies, such as a theocracy, where religious leaders hold political power, moral rules are set by religious teachings

• This often leaves less space for individuals to form their own moral beliefs

Moral rights are not always written into law, but they strongly influence how people behave

Legal rights are protected by the law

• They apply to everyone and have developed over time through new laws and court decisions

Key legal rights in the UK include:

• the presumption of innocence

• the right to a fair trial

• the right to own property

• protection from imprisonment without charge

• the right to legal representation

• the right to appeal against a conviction or sentence

Legal rights come with legal responsibilities, such as obeying the law and respecting the rights of others

Political rights allow citizens to take part in the democratic process.

These include the right to:

• vote in local, devolved and national elections

• stand for public office

• join or create a political party

• protest or demonstrate peacefully

• campaign with others to promote a cause

These rights help people influence decisions and hold those in power to account