This is a high level introduction to an enormously important piece of legislation, the Human Rights Act 1998. It explains what the Act does and what Convention law (under the European Convention) is and how it works. The text sets out what Convention law exists and shows how the Act may affect domestic law and practice in these areas, and assembles the legal material in a way that is accessible, practical and understandable to both specialists and general practitioners. The book pulls together the knowledge and expertise of some of the leading practitioners in the areas affected by the Act. It includes: * Tax law * Planning law * Employment law * Public law * Housing law * Social welfare law * Family and child law * Criminal justice.