Quyền và Trách nhiệm
Rights of UK Residents
People living in the UK have fundamental rights protected by law. These apply to everyone — citizens, permanent residents, and visitors.
Freedom of speech allows everyone to express opinions and beliefs, including criticising the government and debating political issues. The media can report freely on matters of public interest.
The right to a fair trial means anyone accused of a crime can be heard in court, represented by a lawyer, and judged fairly. Serious criminal cases are heard before a jury of 12 ordinary citizens.
Freedom of religion and worship means everyone can follow, change, or reject any religion. Places of worship for many faiths exist across the UK.
The right to equal opportunity prohibits discrimination in the workplace, education, and public services.
Other key rights include privacy, education, and access to public services such as the National Health Service (NHS). These are set out in UK law and the European Convention on Human Rights.
UK residents have the rights to free speech, fair trial, freedom of worship, and equal opportunity
Serious criminal cases are heard by a jury of 12 ordinary citizens
Từ vựng
The right to express opinions without government restriction
A legal proceeding where both sides are heard impartially
The right to practise any religion or none
Fair treatment regardless of background or characteristics
Responsibilities
Along with rights come responsibilities. Everyone in the UK must fulfil certain obligations to maintain a fair and orderly society.
The most basic responsibility is to obey the law. All residents must follow UK laws regardless of where they were born. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Breaking the law may result in criminal charges, fines, or imprisonment.
Jury service is a legal obligation. UK citizens and permanent residents aged 18 to 75 must serve on a jury when called. Refusing without a valid reason can result in a fine or contempt of court.
Residents must pay taxes on income and purchases. Tax revenue funds public services including the NHS, schools, roads, and police.
Everyone has a responsibility to respect the rights of others and treat people fairly regardless of background.
Other responsibilities include looking after the environment, caring for your family, and registering with a doctor (GP). Parents must ensure children receive full-time education between ages 5 and 16 (or 18 in England).
Key responsibilities include obeying the law, jury service, paying taxes, and respecting others' rights
Jury service is a legal obligation for UK citizens and permanent residents aged 18 to 75
Từ vựng
The legal duty to serve as a member of a jury when called
A form used to report income and calculate taxes owed
Something a person is required to do by law or moral duty
Disobedience or disrespect towards a court of law
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression is highly valued in the UK but is not an absolute right. There are important limits to what can be said or written.
People can criticise the government, express political opinions, and participate in public debate. The press is free to investigate and report without government censorship.
However, freedom of expression does not include the right to incite hatred against particular groups. Using threatening or abusive language to stir up hatred based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity is a criminal offence. This is called hate speech.
Freedom of expression is also limited when it comes to protecting national security, preventing public disorder, and protecting the rights and reputations of others. Defamation laws (libel and slander) hold people accountable for false statements that damage someone's reputation.
The key principle is that people should be free to express views but must exercise that freedom responsibly — not using speech as a weapon to harm others.
Freedom of speech has limits — it does not include the right to incite hatred
Hate speech based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity is a criminal offence
Từ vựng
Language intended to stir up hatred against a group
Making false statements that damage someone's reputation
The suppression of speech or information by authorities
A false written statement that damages a person's reputation
Tóm tắt bài học
- Key rights: freedom of speech, fair trial, freedom of worship, and equal opportunity
- Serious criminal cases are decided by a jury of 12 ordinary citizens
- Key responsibilities: obey the law, serve on a jury (ages 18-75), pay taxes, respect others
- Parents must ensure children receive education from age 5 to 16 (18 in England)
- Hate speech based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability is a criminal offence
- Rights are set out in the Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights