This volume investigates the constitutional impact and practical efficacy of the Human Rights Act 1998 within the British legal framework. Conor Gearty, a professor of human rights law, utilizes his expertise in constitutional theory to evaluate the Act's implementation. He examines the political discourse surrounding the legislation, contrasting the views of its proponents with those who perceive it as a threat to traditional parliamentary sovereignty. The work provides a systematic analysis of whether the Act has successfully integrated international human rights standards into domestic law.

Legal scholars and practitioners frequently cite this work for its clear articulation of the tensions inherent in the UK's constitutional evolution. Experts highlight the text as a foundational resource for understanding the practical application of human rights law in a post-1998 British context.