We’re living in difficult times. The government is taking unprecedented actions to control the pandemic, and it’s leading to a host of economic and social issues. Many people haven’t left their homes for weeks, and are wondering how much longer they will have to remain cooped up.
Suddenly, governments set the parameters of people’s rights, determining to a much finer degree what you can and cannot do.
We’ve already seen the postponement of the right to free assembly and free movement in the UK in order to fight the disease.
This is food for thought for many philosophical and thinking people. Some individuals now ask themselves whether they were genuinely free in the past, or whether it was just an illusion. If the government can control aspects of your life with a single piece of law, were you ever genuinely at liberty?
Finding out your rights in an environment like this is difficult. The only place you can really find refuge is in the law. And even then, it is subject to acts of parliament. If MPs believe you’re better off being confined to your home, it doesn’t matter what you think.
Get Legal Advice
In a situation like this, choosing legal counseling is paramount. Individuals need to know where they stand and what they can and cannot do.
The situation for business owners is particularly confusing. The government has enacted policies that actively shut down some industries while allowing others to flourish. It’s not a level playing field.
Policies are also affecting who can operate and who can’t. We’ve seen police closing convenience stores while actively encouraging big supermarkets to keep their doors open (for obvious reasons).
Check Your Rights Online
The government lists your rights on its primary website – Gov.uk.
What this site says is liable to change from week to week as new pieces of legislation go through parliament. While it doesn’t make for particularly pleasant reading right now, it does tell you where you stand.
Check Third-Party Sites
Some websites, like Which? provide helpful articles on your rights as a citizen. Usually, it is up to date.
The good news is that many protections of your liberty remain in the law. It’s just that they mostly revolve around “safety.” For instance, employers still have a duty of care to their employees. And criminal law remains largely the same.
How these events will play out will largely depend on what the public ultimately decides is the best course of action. If and when people become less afraid, there could be a significant backlash. Economic problems could also create issues.
So, in summary, know your rights and use them to gain an advantage in this challenging situation.
