← All questionsGS4 · 2026 · Ethics Theory ·National Security & Human Rights
QUESTION 2(b)
GS4
10 marks

Discuss how national security can be balanced with concerns of human rights.

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Build an ethical test under which security measures are lawful, necessary, proportionate, reviewable and non-discriminatory.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1State duty to protect life and public order≈30 words
  2. 2Rights at risk from surveillance, detention, force and secrecy≈30 words
  3. 3Balancing tests: legality, necessity, proportionality, non-discrimination and accountability≈30 words
  4. 4Institutional safeguards: oversight, remedies, transparency where possible and time-bounded exceptional powers≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Security dutyRights risksEthical testsSafeguardsSynthesis

Where marks usually go

  • Saying security automatically overrides rights
  • Using the word 'balance' without criteria for what is permissible

Value addition

  • Necessity–proportionality–oversight triangle
    → Draw it in the body, next to the point it supports.

Official source anchors

These are authoritative sources selected for this exact PYQ. Where a card is an official-domain anchor rather than a fact-level citation, verify the precise provision, definition or data point on the linked source before using it.