Powered by Lexis+®
Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Article 10 ECHR: Freedom of Expression—Scope, Restrictions, Balancing with Article 8, Proportionality and Sanctions; ECtHR Principles with UK Statutory and Case Law

Practice notes
imgtext

Introduction

This Practice Note delivers a succinct guide to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which protects freedom of expression. Its primary aim is to summarise the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) case law on Article 10, with references to UK decisions on Article 10 included where appropriate. This Practice Note addresses:

  • the text and structure of Article 10
  • the core principles governing Article 10 disputes
  • the breadth and limits of Article 10
  • the lawful bases for restricting the right
  • the penalties and other sanctions that may follow

The structure of Article 10

Article 10 is a qualified right formed of two limbs. Article 10(1) sets the parameters of the freedom of expression. Article 10(2) specifies when a public authority may legitimately interfere with that freedom. Article 10 is one of four qualified ECHR rights sharing this two-part format: Article 8 (respect for private and family life), Article 9 (freedom of thought, conscience and religion) and Article 11 (freedom of assembly and association)...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.
Web page updated on 21/05/2026

Popular documents

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Read More Right Arrow

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Read More Right Arrow

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Read More Right Arrow

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...

Read More Right Arrow