Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)
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The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) is a higher chamber within the ECtHR, which is a supranational court established to hear cases related to alleged violations of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Grand Chamber is one of the key components of the court's structure, and its role is significant in shaping the interpretation and application of human rights standards in Europe.
Composition: The Grand Chamber consists of 17 judges, including the President of the ECtHR, the Vice-President, and the Section Presidents. These judges are selected from among the judges serving on the court and are chosen based on a rotating basis.
Jurisdiction: The Grand Chamber hears cases that are considered particularly significant or complex. These cases are typically referred to it by a three-judge chamber or by a State Party to the ECHR, if it requests a referral. The Grand Chamber can also hear cases when a party to a case requests that it be referred to the Grand Chamber, and the request is granted.
Importance: Cases heard by the Grand Chamber are often those that involve sensitive legal or political issues, or they may involve issues that have broader implications for the interpretation of the ECHR. The judgments delivered by the Grand Chamber are considered authoritative and have a significant impact on the development of human rights jurisprudence in Europe.
Procedures: The procedures before the Grand Chamber are similar to those before the chambers of the ECtHR, including the submission of written pleadings, oral hearings, and the issuance of a judgment. However, the Grand Chamber's composition and the fact that it hears more important cases make its judgments particularly influential.
Decisions: The decisions of the Grand Chamber are final and binding on the parties involved. They also have a precedent-setting effect, influencing the interpretation of the ECHR by domestic courts in European countries.
Representation: Parties to a case before the Grand Chamber are often represented by lawyers, and sometimes by the government of the State involved. The Court also allows third-party interventions by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other entities with an interest in the case.
In summary, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights plays a crucial role in interpreting and upholding human rights within the member states of the Council of Europe. It is a specialised chamber that handles particularly important and complex cases, and its judgments have a significant impact on human rights jurisprudence in Europe.
Composition: The Grand Chamber consists of 17 judges, including the President of the ECtHR, the Vice-President, and the Section Presidents. These judges are selected from among the judges serving on the court and are chosen based on a rotating basis.
Jurisdiction: The Grand Chamber hears cases that are considered particularly significant or complex. These cases are typically referred to it by a three-judge chamber or by a State Party to the ECHR, if it requests a referral. The Grand Chamber can also hear cases when a party to a case requests that it be referred to the Grand Chamber, and the request is granted.
Importance: Cases heard by the Grand Chamber are often those that involve sensitive legal or political issues, or they may involve issues that have broader implications for the interpretation of the ECHR. The judgments delivered by the Grand Chamber are considered authoritative and have a significant impact on the development of human rights jurisprudence in Europe.
Procedures: The procedures before the Grand Chamber are similar to those before the chambers of the ECtHR, including the submission of written pleadings, oral hearings, and the issuance of a judgment. However, the Grand Chamber's composition and the fact that it hears more important cases make its judgments particularly influential.
Decisions: The decisions of the Grand Chamber are final and binding on the parties involved. They also have a precedent-setting effect, influencing the interpretation of the ECHR by domestic courts in European countries.
Representation: Parties to a case before the Grand Chamber are often represented by lawyers, and sometimes by the government of the State involved. The Court also allows third-party interventions by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other entities with an interest in the case.
In summary, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights plays a crucial role in interpreting and upholding human rights within the member states of the Council of Europe. It is a specialised chamber that handles particularly important and complex cases, and its judgments have a significant impact on human rights jurisprudence in Europe.
