11 - 16s glossary

High Court
A court that deals with complicated disputes in civil cases.

House of Commons
The section of parliament that is made up of elected MPs (Members of Parliament).

House of Lords
The section of parliament that is made of unelected people from a variety of backgrounds.

Human rights
The basic rights and freedoms which belong to every person in the world.

Human Rights Act
This Act makes it illegal for any public body in the UK to breach the rights listed in the European Convention on Human Rights. These public bodies include government departments, the police and local councils.

Inhumane
Unkind; cruel.

Irretrievable
Impossible to retrieve, recover or overcome.