Actions Against the Police
If you or a loved one have been significantly impacted due to unlawful conduct by the police, our expert lawyers may be able to help you get the answers and the compensation you deserve.
Human Rights, Civil Liberties & Public Law
People from every walk of life have the right to be treated fairly. If you believe a public body may have acted unlawfully or breached your human rights, our public law and human rights lawyers may be able to advise you on whether a legal challenge is possible.
We may be able to help you if you have been treated unlawfully discriminated against or had your rights infringed by:
- Government departments
- Local councils
- Hospitals, care homes and health trusts
- Schools and Local Education Authorities
- Any public body.
We’re here to listen and help you understand your options, with clear compassionate guidance every step of the way.
What kinds of public law and human rights claims can we help with?
While we aim to support as many people as possible, we are not able to take on every case. Whether we can assist depends on a range of factors, including the nature of the issue, the legal merit and our available resources.
Challenging public bodies can be an emotional and lengthy process with multiple stages of complaints, appeals and referrals, and strict time limits at different points. Enlisting legal support and representation from our experienced team early in the process will help give your case the best possible chance of success.
We have a wealth of experience across all fields of public law, with the knowledge and skills to make sure that your rights are respected. Where we can help, our experts can help you challenge these organisations if there is evidence that they may have acted unlawfully.
Some matters won’t be suitable for legal action, even where the situation feels unfair or frustrating. This may be because:
- The organisation has acted within the law
- The available evidence doesn’t support a legal challenge
- The case doesn’t meet the required legal merits.
If we can support you with your case, our lawyers will guide you through every step of the process with friendly and professional support, explaining the development of your case in plain English so you are always kept up to date.
If you’re involved in a public law case, you may be entitled to Legal Aid. We’ll always be clear with you about funding options if we’re able to assist.
Why choose Irwin Mitchell?
Our public law and human rights team, led by Yogi Amin, is regarded as one of the best in the country by legal directories Legal 500 & Chambers UK.
We've previously taken cases all the way to the Supreme Court, European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights, so we're not daunted by any challenge. While we do seek to resolve cases with negotiation and mediation wherever possible, we'll take your fight as far as is necessary to get the results you deserve.
We take a carefully considered and strategic approach to the cases we accept, focusing on matters that are demonstrably unlawful and have a realistic prospect of success.
You can also take a look at our Factsheets & Template Letters, which have been drafted by our expert solicitors to help you make requests, complaints, challenges and appeals to public bodies yourself.
Contact us to find out more about how we can help you.
Services in human rights, civil liberties and public law
What do you need help with?Meet a specialist from our team
Our market leading team will help you understand your rights, secure the compensation you’re owed, and access vital support – from rehabilitation to long-term care.
Yogi Amin
Partner and National Head of Public Law and Human Rights
We’re here to help
Complete our enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you by the next working day.
Alternatively, you can call us now.
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08000473418
Client stories
See the difference we’ve made to people just like you.
Private Information Protected After Police Request During Rape Investigation
*Real names not used
Sarah* was raped and sexually assaulted by her former partner, and she found the courage to report the crimes to the police. The police and the Crown Prosecution Service demanded an excessive collection of Sarah’s personal data before they would proceed with the investigation. We successfully challenged police demands for extensive personal data, and the criminal investigation into the rape was able to proceed without Sarah’s sensitive private and personal information being unlawfully obtained by the police.
Frequently asked questions about human rights, civil liberties and public law claims
Human rights solicitors
The Human Rights Act 1998 sets out fundamental rights and freedoms that everyone in the UK is entitled to, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity and income. Public bodies such as the police, councils, schools and local authorities all have a duty to make sure these rights are protected.
Human rights underpin every aspect of our lives, but some of the key principles involve:
- The right to life
- The right to a private life
- Freedom from torture and inhuman or degrading treatment
- Freedom from discrimination or harassment
- Access to healthcare and medication
- Right to a fair trial
The Human Rights Act is there to ensure that fundamental rights are upheld no matter what the circumstances. We should expect to be treated fairly, to have access to the healthcare and education we need, and have faith in the justice system.
We have extensive experience helping those who have been let down by the authorities get the justice they deserve.
Our locations
Work with a full-service firm with solicitors in 21 UK locations, giving you national expertise with local support.