Does government have rights above yours?

Under the rule of law, the government does not have rights above yours; the state and everyone in power are subject to the law just like ordinary citizens.

How the Relationship Works

• No One Is Above the Law: The fundamental principle of the European legal system is that no person, public body, or government official is higher than the law.
• Human Rights Protection: Your core human rights (such as the right to life or freedom from torture) are protected under frameworks like the Human Rights legislation , meaning public authorities are legally required to respect them.
• When the Government Can Interfere: Public authorities can sometimes lawfully restrict certain qualified rights (such as freedom of assembly or expression), but they can only do so if it is strictly necessary, proportionate, and for a legitimate public interest—such as national security, public safety, or preventing crime.
• Holding the State Accountable: If the government or a public body oversteps its legal bounds, you have access to independent courts through legal mechanisms like judicial review to challenge unlawful decisions.