About

It was established in 1959 and is tasked with ensuring that member states of the Council of Europe comply with the European Convention on Human Rights. The court hears individual and state applications alleging violations of the Convention, which covers a wide range of civil and political rights. The ECtHR consists of a panel of judges, one from each of the 47 member states, who are elected by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The judges serve a non-renewable term of nine years and are required to have significant experience in human rights law. They are assisted by a registry, which provides administrative support to the court. One of the key features of the ECtHR is its unique system of individual application. Any individual, non-governmental organization, or group of individuals can bring a case before the court if they believe that their rights under the Convention have been violated. The court has jurisdiction over issues such as torture, freedom of expression, privacy rights, and the right to a fair trial. Once a case is brought before the court, it goes through a series of stages, including admissibility, merits, and judgment. The court's decisions are legally binding on the member states and they are obliged to implement any remedies or measures ordered by the court. The ECtHR has significantly influenced human rights law in Europe and beyond. Its judgments have led to significant changes in legislation and policies in member states, and its case law is often cited by other international and domestic courts around the world. However, the court has also faced criticism for its backlog of cases, lengthy proceedings, and perceived political bias. Overall, the European Court of Human Rights plays a crucial role in safeguarding human rights in Europe and promoting the rule of law. Its decisions have a far-reaching impact and contribute to the development of human rights standards worldwide.