Judges at the European Court of Human Rights can strike out cases where the applicant has not suffered a “significant disadvantage”, as of this month.
Judges at the European Court of Human Rights can strike out cases where the applicant has not suffered a “significant disadvantage”, as of this month.
The new power can be exercised unless respect for human rights requires an examination of the application on the merits, and provided the case has been considered by a domestic tribunal.
Supporters of the new regime say it will allow the court to concentrate more on cases that “raise important human rights issues, so it can play its role most effectively”.
The change has come about as a result of Protocol No 14 of the European Convention which entered into force at the beginning of the month.
Additionally, judges are now elected to the court for a maximum period of nine years, and may not seek
re-election.
