European human rights law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

European human rights law - Essay Example It is an individual's most essential political right and the essence of democracy. Freedom of expression is what makes it possible for even the most ordinary of citizens to make a political expression, even if that expression is against the state itself. It is this right that makes it possible for such an individual to hold an opinion that is different from the opinion of the majority. It is this freedom that gives people the power to protest inequality and oppression. From this freedom emanate all the other freedoms. In a democracy, probably the most important consequence of the freedom of expression is to compel governments to the dialogue table, and it is because of this that governments are forced to consider the opinions of people in its decision making. This works to the advantage of both people and the government - if indeed one can make a distinction between the two. People have the advantage of ensuring that all or most governmental decisions consider their opinion. In Europe freedom of expression is protected by article 10 (1) of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). "Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers" ("The European Convention on Human Rights"). Contrary to what some... And this freedom relates to the freedom of opinion, freedom of information, and the freedom to criticize. Freedom of Opinion and Information The first paragraph of Article 10 of the ECHR elucidates that freedom of expression shall include the "freedom to hold opinions and to receive information" ("The European Convention on Human Rights"). There is more to this freedom than one initially realizes. The freedom to hold opinions, among other things, also means spiritual freedom. This freedom includes the freedom to hold and report a belief. This belief can be critical or appreciative or merely judgmental. These beliefs or opinions can relate to philosophy, science, literature, politics, ethics and several such other aspects. This freedom applies as much to giving an opinion, as to receiving one. 3 Freedom of expression includes the freedom to information. This freedom applies to receiving information, as it does to the dissemination of information. This freedom is an offshoot of the freedom to opinion. Yet another off-shoot of the freedom to express opinions is the freedom of criticism. This is a significant aspect of the freedom of expression as it gives even people in the minority the right to hold and express views that are not in consonance with the majority. This Freedom is Not Unconditional The freedom of expression is however not a platform for unfettered individual and institutional will. There are conditions. The freedoms guaranteed under Article 10 of the ECHR carry with them "certain duties and responsibilities". Exercise of this freedom must be within the parameters of certain procedures, conditions, controls and rules of infraction. These parameters are laid down by law in the wider interests of the