European Court of Human Rights, ECHR

European Court of Human Rights, ECHR

A court in Strasbourg established in 1950. The court rules on the catalogue of civil and political rights and freedoms contained within the European Convention on Human Rights. Complaints can be lodged by individuals for alleged violations of those rights against States, which have signed up to the Convention.

Notes

• Not to be confused with the EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg or the international court in the Hague.

• Rulings from the ECHR may take precedence over national court rulings.

• The Lisbon Treaty has a competing Charter of Fundamental Rights being legally binding by Article 6 TEU

• The EU may enter the European Convention on Human Rights based on Article 6.2 TEU and become a member by a unanimous decision in the Council based on Article 218.6 and 218.8 TFEU
  
  

Links

http://www.echr.coe.int/