Protection of Rights in Democracies

Constitutional Safeguards:

In democracies, one of the primary means of rights protection is through constitutional safeguards where rights are enshrined at the highest legal level.
The US is an example of this, with a ‘bill of rights’ incorporated into its constitution.

Legislation:

Rights can also be protected through legislation passed by the country’s legislature, such as the Human Rights Act 1998 in the UK.
This act incorporated elements of the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.

Judicial System:

The judiciary also plays a key role in enforcing these rights via judicial review, scrutinising governmental actions to ensure they align with current legislation.
The formation of the UK Supreme Court in 2009 has heightened a focus on judicial protection of rights.

Independent Bodies/Commissions:

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in the UK helps uphold and advance equality and human rights.
These bodies offer a further check and protective mechanism for rights in democratic nation.

International Agreements/Treaties:

Rights can also be protected on the international level through treaties and agreements, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) or the European Convention on Human Rights.
Notably, these international commitments often exert considerable influence on the domestic policies of democratic nations.

Pressure Groups and Advocacy:

Within society, pressure groups and advocacy organisations have a major role in protecting and highlighting issues related to rights.
Organisations like Liberty in the UK or the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in the US campaign extensively on rights issues.

Remember, the protection of rights in democracies remains a complex topic, reflecting many interconnected mechanisms and entities working towards safeguarding these rights. Review these bullet points regularly to ensure you possess a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.