ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the skewed and partial approach often taken by the mainstream media to the reporting of human rights. It addresses the issue which has perhaps most tested the relationship between the UK state and Europe’s human rights frameworks, that of prisoner voting. The book considers treatment of immigrants in the UK press, arguing that, somewhat counter-intuitively, a human rights angle to stories actually exacerbates media demonisation of this group. It offers a rigorous overview of reporting around cases that concern a right to fair trial in criminal law under the European Convention. The book provides a critique of the arguments in favour of retaining the status quo and concludes that its proponents should focus on providing answers that persuade the public of the merits of our arrangements.
