Freedom of Expression in United Kingdom

Definition of Freedom of Expression

In accordance with the work A Dictionary of Law, this is a description of Freedom of Expression : A right set out in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and now part of UK law as a consequence of the *Human Rights Act 1998. Freedom of expression (*freedom of expression) constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society, one of the basic conditions for its progress and for the development of every man…it is applicable not only to ‘information’ or ‘ideas’ that are favourably received or regarded as inoffensive or as a matter of indifference, but also to those that offend, shock or disturb…such are the demands of that pluralism, tolerance and broadmindedness without which there is no ‘democratic society’.” Convention jurisprudence gives different weight to different kinds of expression. The most important expression – political speech – therefore is likely to be protected to a much greater extent than the least important – commercial speech.

Freedom of expression is a *qualified right; as such, the public interest can be used to justify an interference with it providing that this is prescribed by law, designed for a legitimate purpose, and proportionate.