Article 6 protects your right to a fair trial. You have the right to a fair and public trial or hearing if:

• you are charged with a criminal offence and have to go to court, or
• a public authority is making a decision that has a impact upon your civil rights or obligations.

In this context, your civil rights and obligations are those recognised in areas of UK law such as property law, planning law, family law, contract law and employment law.

It is a good idea to get further advice if you think the right to a fair and public hearing might apply to your case.

What is a fair and public hearing? You have the right to a fair and public hearing that:

• is held within a reasonable time
• is heard by an independent and impartial decision-maker
• gives you all the relevant information
• is open to the public (although the press and public can be excluded for highly sensitive cases)
• allows you representation and an interpreter where appropriate, and
• is followed by a public decision

You also have the right to an explanation of how the court or decision-making authority reached its decision.