Overview
In this lesson students will explore our rights and responsibilities and how they are protected in law. They are challenged to consider if there are circumstances when human rights could be restricted and what should happen when different human rights potentially come into conflict with each other.
An extension activity is included which explores some of the recent debates the Government have been having about reforming the Human Rights Act in the UK.
Acknowledgment:
These teaching and learning resources were developed in partnership with the global law firm, Allen & Overy. We are grateful for their support in boosting young people’s awareness of the law, rights, responsibilities, and the ways we can work together to strengthen society for everybody.

More Lessons resources
Difficult Decisions
Over a series of short sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to consider simple social and moral dilemmas which may arise in day to day life. Pupils will be encouraged…
Democracy (Part 3): Why Do We Have Laws?
This lesson forms the final part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about democracy and the rule of law. They discover the different roles of parliament, government and…
Be Your Own Councillor
Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different...
More Politics and Democracy resources
Who’s Really Paying for COVID?
Young people are, and will continue to be, some of the most impacted by COVID. However their voices have...
What is Debt?
Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...
Migration of People
To help you engage your students in the topic of migration Young Citizens have developed a flexible teaching resource...
More Understanding Rules & The Law resources
Children’s Rights
In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…
Sentencing Guidelines (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson asks students to consider the key findings of a harassment trial and conclude what sentence should be given to the guilty party. During the course of the lesson…
What Are Human Rights?
In this lesson pupils will explore what human rights are. They will examine individual human rights and discuss why they are of primary importance to all people and society. Pupils…
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Be Your Own Councillor
Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different...
Climate Action: Circular Economies
During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...
Sentencing Myths (SmartLaw Subscription)
This short activity challenges young people’s perceptions of current sentencing guidelines. It can be run as a standalone activity or as an extension activity as part of a mock trial…
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
COVID and the Economy
During this session, students will critically examine some of the key economic considerations of the pandemic. They will explore...
Climate Action: Circular Economies
During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...
How to share learning with your peers
Originally designed to be a companion pack for the Democracy Ambassadors programme, this handy toolkit will support students who...