Rights vs Freedoms Intro to the Charter of

Rights vs Freedoms Intro to the Charter of Rights & Freedoms

Rights Freedoms • A moral or legal entitlement to obtain something or act in a certain way • Rights have limitations • Rights are not absolute • The power to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint • The implication that no one will interfere with what you do Rights vs Freedoms

• Although you have rights, there are often limits placed on these rights. Why is this? • Because rights can clash/conflict. • When it is impossible to honour two important rights, limits are placed on one or both rights. • The goal of the Charter is to achieve balance. Rights are not Absolute!

• A legal right is something that cannot be given to you one time and then denied another. • If you have a legal right, then some other person has the duty to see that this right is honoured. • A freedom implies that no one will interfere with what you want to do. • Unlike a right, no one has the duty to oversee or enforce this freedom. What is the difference between a right and a freedom?

• Freedom of Speech • You risk being sued for damages if you say or write untrue statements about a person and thereby ruin their reputation. • You can be charged with a criminal offence if you intentionally promote hatred towards an identifiable group. • You are required to follow school rules and use appropriate language. Limits on Rights & Freedoms

• Right not to be Searched • Police Officers have the right to search vehicles if they have reasonable ground to believe a law is being broken. • Customs officials have the right to search luggage. • A principal has the right to search lockers and students if safety is threatened. Limits on Rights & Freedoms