Powers of detention of suspected international terrorists under the United Kingdom Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001: dismantling the cornerstones of a civil society (in ‘Human rights survey 2002’, pHR/19-HR/32)

This issue is devoted entirely to the subject of human rights.

Abstract:

October 2, 2001 marked the first anniversary of the Human Rights Act coming into force. But what promised to be a celebration marking a milestone in British democracy was tarnished by the events of September 11th 2001. Indeed, on the first anniversary Government were drafting legislation to derogate civil liberties regarding the right to liberty and security of person protected under article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The purpose of this article is to examine recent legislation which expand powers of detention of suspected international terrorists. It explores the degree to which such legislation is necessary and whether detention orders under the new Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 comply with Britain's obligations under European and international law.