170 likes | 317 Views
RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS. Rights and Freedoms. Those things which one is morally or legally entitled to have or to do. As with the evolution of democracy differences in the conception of what citizens rights are has also seen changes with time.
E N D
Rights and Freedoms • Those things which one is morally or legally entitled to have or to do. • As with the evolution of democracy differences in the conception of what citizens rights are has also seen changes with time. • These changes have reflected inour social and political conditions.
Civil Rights • Prevalent in the 18th century. • Equality before the law • Liberty of the person. • Freedom of speech, thought and religion. • The right to own property.
Political Rights • 19th century • Right to participate in elections. • Right to run for and hold office. • Right to vote.
Social Rights • 20th century • Right to a certain standard of economic and social well-being. • Right to participate fully in society.
Democratic Rights 21st Century-Fundamental rights Freedom From Freedom To • The premise that all people have the right to: • Protection from injustice: • Violence • Exploitation • Abuse • Torture • The premise that all people have the right to participate in human activities that allow one to develop fully:
Democratic Rights 21st Century-Fundamental rights Freedom From: Freedom To: 2. Have basic survival needs met so to be free from more subtle injustices of poverty, hunger, lack of health care and environmental pollution. • The right to: • Education • Practice ones religion • Culture • Language • Freedom • Freedom of expression • Join a group or association • Free access to information
Civil Responsibilities • Responsibilities: A duty or obligation. • As citizens of a democratic country we all have responsibilities, which are directly linked with our rights. • The right and responsibilities that we are given function as checks and balances for our actions. For example I have a right to drive a car but I must do it safely.
General Civil Responsibilities • Being informed about the issues that affect our society. • Respecting the ideas and rights of others. • Using skills and abilities in a socially useful manner that is productive to society. • Actively protecting your as well as others rights. • Improving our communities
Responsibilities that are governed by Laws RULE OF LAW “The principle that people are governed by laws and that no one is above the law.” Common Good “The premise that all citizens have the responsibility to fully contribute to community development.”
Responsibilities that are governed by Laws Writ of Habeas Corpus No one can be held or imprisoned without just cause/explanation and anyone who is detained has the right to appear before the courts within a reasonable time. If necessary the government or anyone detaining anyone can be forced to present that person with a “Writ of Habeas Corpus.”
Majority Rule vs. Minority Rights Majority Rule Minority Rights • “The principle that the opinion of the majority should prevail.” • “The principle that the rights of the minority must be safe guarded.”
Bills of Rights v. Charter of Rights Problems with Bill of Rights How problems solved with the Charter • The Bill of Rights is a Federal Statute, does not apply to provinces. • Bill of Rights was not a part of the Constitution and therefore could be amended and repealed by a simple majority in Parliament. • Charter applies to both levels of government. • The Amending formula: The Charter can only be changed or amended if the Federal Parliament and 7 out 10 provinces(representing 50% of the population) agree to change it.
Bills of Rights v. Charter of Rights Bill of Rights Charter 3. The Supreme Court of Canada has been reluctant to strike down Federal Statutes which some people feel violated individual rights. 4. Under the Bill of Rights the courts can only rule on the validity of a statute. They could not give other remedies such as money. 3. The Charter overrides any statutes that are not consistent with the Constitution. 4. The Charter allows the courts to award any remedy including monetary damages they consider appropriate to a person whose rights have been violated.