Human Rights Act expert available for media interviews

The Human Rights Act 1998 will come into force on 2 October 2000, and will ensure that all public bodies, including the police, probation, prison, universities and charities must act in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Centre for Police Research and Education (CPRE), based in the University of Teesside’s School of Social Sciences, is at the forefront of teaching and research in the area of human rights. Alisdair Gillespie, a qualified barrister and lecturer in human rights within the Centre, has delivered specialised courses to law enforcement agencies, explaining how the Act will affect them. He has also written widely in academic and professional journals, describing the potential impact of this legislation.

Alisdair said: “The Act will revolutionise the legal system and have a massive impact on how people are treated within court. It will strengthen civil liberties in many areas, such as stop and search procedures, the right to a fair trial and the right to a family life.”

Alisdair is available to discuss the implication of the Human Rights Act 1998 with the media. He will discuss how the Act will affect public authorities and citizens. His expertise is primarily with law enforcement agencies (including the benefits agencies) and he can examine most issues concerning the Act. He can be contacted on 01642 342393 or through the CPRE Secretary on 01642 342333, fax 01642 342399, e-mail A.A.Gillespie@tees.ac.uk

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