The European Judiciary: A Community of Law and a Community of Judges

This open access book provides a compelling re-examination of the European Union judiciary, encompassing the European Court of Human Rights, the Court of Justice of the European Union and constitutional courts, as explored by prominent scholars from the Spanish academic community.

Organised into three substantive parts, the book explores the essential interplay between these judicial bodies, emphasising how their distinct roles, challenges and evolutions are deeply interconnected. Together, these institutions form a cohesive yet occasionally tension-filled 'community of judges' that collaborates, interacts, and sometimes diverges in shaping the legal landscape of Europe.

The first part examines the institutional framework and the foundational role of the European Court of Human Rights, focusing on its influence on European legal norms and human rights protections. The second part addresses the institutional challenges faced by the Court of Justice of the European Union, including its function as a cornerstone of EU law and its interactions with other courts. The final part investigates the role of constitutional courts within EU Member States, highlighting their responses to European integration and their dynamic relationships with supranational courts.

By exploring the interdependencies, mutual influences, and occasional tensions within this 'community of judges', the book reveals how these courts, in collaboration with European scholarship, collectively contribute to a broader 'community of law' that continues to shape the legal and political order of Europe.