The survey for the Ministry of Justice, which dates from 2004 but has only just been published, says 57% believe the law is being exploited.

The poll of 2,000 people featured in a report which found there was support for a law on human rights.

But it called for more work to correct public misunderstandings about the HRA.

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Lawyers and celebrities

The HRA, which became binding in the UK in 1998, includes the right to life, the right to privacy and family life, and the right to freedom of religion.

It incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into British law.

The study, released now without publicity, suggests that British people feel values of respect, dignity, equality and fairness are very important.

But a majority said the act was being misapplied, particularly by certain groups, including refugees, lawyers and celebrities.

Overall, 40% of those questioned said the law created more problems than it solved.

The report recommends that government develop a "communications strategy" to try to win the public over.

But the document states that the research was commissioned to "stimulate discussion" and does not represent government policy.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw has defended the HRA and rejected Conservative calls for it to be scrapped in favour of a British Bill of Rights.

(BBC)

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