Human rights law takes effect

Courts expecting a flood of cases initially

Northern Ireland's lawyers and courts are bracing themselves for an initial flood of cases once the European Convention on Human Rights is incorporated into UK law on Monday.

Under the Human Rights Act, people who believe their rights have been violated will be able to bring a case in the local courts rather than having to go to Strasbourg where the European Court sits.

The legislation passed through Westminster two years ago, but a two year period was allowed so that lawyers and public bodies could prepare for its coming into force.

Leading human rights lawyer Allan Levy QC told BBC Northern Ireland the legislation would not provide any new rights that people did not already have.

"It has always been part of our law in a sense in that the ordinary citizen has had a right to go to Strasbourg if he feels that his rights have been infringed by the state or a public body," he said.

Mr Levy said the ability to enforce rights guaranteed under the European Convention were "more realistic" following the implementation of the legislation.

Allan Levy QC: Act makes right 'more realistic'

"To that extent it is a much more realistic right for people than something which has been in existence for more than 40 years."

The chairman of Northern Ireland's Human Rights Commission said he believed the Act's greatest impact locally would be in cases to do with the right to a fair trial.

"The European Convention covers the right of security of the person, the right to free speech, freedom of association and the right to free travel," said Brice Dickson.

First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon are due to attend an event at which the legislation will be launched in Belfast City Hall on Monday.