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Advice and Information
May 19, 2026
Do I have a right to free speech? What are the different laws that limit what we can say on social media and at protests? Can the police access my phone and social media account?
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Can a police officer search a pupil on school property? Can a teacher search a pupil? Are metal detectors allowed at the school gates? Who can be an appropriate adult?
Can a teacher confiscate a pupil’s phone? How long can they confiscate it for? Are the police allowed to confiscate a pupil’s phone?
Can police officers just walk into a school? What are Safer Schools Police Officers? Can a police officer put a student in detention?
What can you be arrested for? What makes an arrest “necessary”? Do the police always have to use handcuffs?
As the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act comes into effect, we explain the main protest law changes and what they mean for protesters.
Can I walk away from a police officer asking me questions in the street? What are “Section 50” powers? What if I’m interviewed “under caution”?
Liberty has designed and produced protest bust cards in collaboration with Migrants Organise and Black Protest Legal Support for racialised and migrant protesters and organisers, so that they can be informed and empowered to exercise their legal rights to protest against state racism and the Hostile Environment as safely as possible.
Are there rules requiring me to wear a face mask any more? Can I be denied entry to a venue if I’m not wearing a mask? Am I being discriminated against if so? Our coronavirus advice and information hub has you covered
What is ‘kettling’? When can the police kettle you at a protest? What rights do you have in a kettle? Does kettling breach your human rights? How can you challenge an unlawful kettle? Learn more here.
How can I stand up to power? Find out more about using the Human Rights Act 1998 and judicial review to challenge unlawful decisions, actions and inaction of the state.
Can the Government introduce a mandatory vaccination scheme? Can I refuse a vaccination? What are the rules for care home workers? Am I required to show proof of my vaccination status anywhere? Our coronavirus advice and information hub has you covered.
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