Can a minister overturn or change a judge's ruling?
No, a minister cannot just change a judge's ruling. Only another judge can do so, if they think it is necessary.
This is because judges are independent. In a democratic country, there are three main groups:
- The people who make the laws (these are the elected members of parliament)
- The people who implement the laws (these are the government and the head of state)
- The judges who make sure everything is fair and solve problems according to the law
Each group keeps an eye on the other groups and can change things if necessary. In this way, they make sure no one has too much power. This is important because in countries where one person decides everything, people are not always free to say and do what they want. In a democratic country with separation of powers, there is more freedom and people's rights are better protected.
OK, so human rights are rights that everyone has, like the right to be safe and the right to say what you think. They are important for all people, not just some. You know, democracy is a way of governing in which people like you and me can say what we want and use our rights. In the European Union, there is the European Parliament, and its job is to make sure everyone gets those rights.
And you know what? Now young people as young as 16 can vote for the European Parliament. That's cool, because young people also have things they care about, and they should be able to choose who stands up for those things in politics. Politics is about everything that happens in our lives, big and small.
So, it is important for young people to be involved in what happens in the world, in politics and in those human rights. When young people participate in making decisions, they see how it affects their lives and their freedom. And voting is the best way to get involved. Every vote counts!
This initiative is a collaboration with Rule of Law Day.
Do you have any other questions?
Will you be punished harder if you commit the same criminal offence multiple times?
So, if you commit the same criminal offence multiple times, that is called "repeat" or "recidivism" in the law. But does that also mean you will be punished harder? Read more here!
Can you just post or comment whatever you want online and does that fall under the right to free speech?
Not quite. You are allowed to express your opinion and talk about things you are for or against. That's part of the right to freely express your opinion. But there are rules. Read more here!
Can your parents just read your messages? Or do you have a right to privacy?
Yes and no. Actually, as a young person, you do have a right to privacy, but that does not mean that your parents should never watch. Read more here!