This article briefly outlines the three articles comprising this special section of Legal and Criminological Psychology on human rights that addresses issues of risk, therapeutic jurisprudence, and the rights of detained persons. It is noted that human rights serve to orient practitioners to the necessary conditions for a minimally worthwhile life for service users, the prerequisites for a life of dignity and a chance at happiness, and the opportunity to incorporate into their life plans cherished values and goals. In an introduction to the special section paper, the basic concept of human rights is discussed and their relevance outlined for clinical practice with offenders. This background discussion includes information on the nature of human rights; definition of rights; definition of human rights; values underlying human rights; and justification of human rights. Additionally, the core values associated with human rights are explored and it is suggested that one of their primary functions is to protect the internal and external conditions of individuals' agency and their pursuit of better lives. References