Prepare for the British Citizenship Test with fun quizzes. Test your knowledge of UK history, culture, and government. Perfect for those on their journey to becoming UK citizens!

Practice this question and more.


Which of the following is not a common law right in the UK?

  1. Right to free speech

  2. Right to a fair trial

  3. Right to bear arms

  4. Right to privacy

The correct answer is: Right to bear arms

The right to bear arms is not recognized as a common law right in the UK. Unlike in some other countries, such as the United States, where the right to bear arms is constitutionally protected, the UK's legal framework does not include a universal right for individuals to own or carry weapons. Instead, the UK has stringent laws governing firearms ownership and usage, emphasizing public safety. In contrast, common law rights in the UK, such as the right to free speech, the right to a fair trial, and the right to privacy, are either derived from legal precedents or are supported by statutory laws. The right to free speech is protected under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, while the right to a fair trial is a fundamental aspect of the rule of law in the UK. Additionally, the right to privacy is recognized through various legal interpretations and protections, including the Data Protection Act and rights derived from the European Convention on Human Rights.