 The Human Rights Act 1998 , which came into force in 2000 , brought the European Convention on Human Rights into British domestic law . Article 8 of the convention covers " the right to respect for private and family life " , and during the passage of the Act through Parliament , elements of the press were concerned that this could affect their freedom of expression . As such , Section 12 of the Act provides that , if a court is considering whether to grant relief which infringes on the right to freedom of expression ( such as an injunction ) , it must " have particular regard to the importance of the Convention right to freedom of expression " , although recognising the other limits put on this right . Where a relief ( such as an injunction ) is granted in the absence of the respondent , the court must be satisfied that the claimant has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the defendant was notified , unless there are compelling reasons why they should not be . The court must also not grant relief that would restrict publication before trial , unless satisfied that it is " more likely than not " that the trial will establish that publication should not be allowed . 
