Practical guide for lawyers appearing before the European Court of Human Rights

The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) published today “The European Court of Human Rights: Questions & Answers for Lawyers”, a practical guide aimed at lawyers intending to present a case before the Court in Strasbourg.

The guide contains information and practical advice to support lawyers in proceedings at three different stages: before national courts (prior to application to the European Court of Human Rights), before the Court itself, and during enforcement of the Court’s judgments.

“The European Court of Human Rights plays a fundamental role for the rule of law and democracy in Europe.  Everywhere in Europe, lawyers should be aware of how to raise violations of fundamental rights at national level, and how to bring a case before the European Court of Human Rights. This is particularly important with the recent entry into force of a new Rule 47 of the Rules of the Court, which introduces stricter conditions for lodging an application. I believe that this practical guide will be a helpful tool for lawyers in the preparation and follow up of their cases before the Court.” says Aldo Bulgarelli, CCBE President.

A number of questions are covered in the handbook, including: at what stage of proceedings before national courts should human rights violations be pleaded under the European Convention of Human Rights; how to submit an application to the Court; technical aspects of proceedings; and the role of a lawyer once a judgement has been rendered. Also included are reference to tools and resources available for parties and their lawyers.

In his foreword to the guide, Dean Spielmann, President of the European Court of Human Rights, underlines that “by helping lawyers to navigate the sometimes technical waters of proceedings before the Court, the Guide ultimately benefits the interests of their clients: the citizens of Europe.”

Produced after liaison with the European Court of Human Rights, the guide is available on the CCBE website (http://www.ccbe.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/NTCdocument/EN_Guide_CEDHpdf1_1398240213.pdf) and paper copies will be made available in the foyer of the Court in Strasbourg.