List of members of the European Court of Justice facts for kids

The European Court of Justice is a very important court for the European Union (EU). It makes sure that the laws of the EU are understood and applied the same way in all EU countries. This helps keep things fair and consistent across Europe. Think of it as the highest court for EU law, making sure everyone follows the rules.

What is the European Court of Justice?

The European Court of Justice, often called the ECJ, is part of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Its main job is to make sure that EU law is followed correctly. This means it checks if countries are applying EU laws properly and if the EU institutions themselves are acting within the law. It also helps national courts understand EU laws.

Who Works at the Court?

The ECJ is made up of different people who play key roles. These include Judges, Advocates General, and a President. Each person helps the court do its important work. Many people from different EU countries have served in these roles over the years, helping to shape how EU law works.

Judges: The Decision Makers

The Judges are the main decision-makers at the ECJ. There is one Judge from each EU country, so currently there are 27 Judges. They listen to arguments, study the law, and then make decisions on cases. Their job is to interpret EU laws and make sure they are applied fairly across all member states. When they make a decision, it's final and must be followed by everyone in the EU.

Advocates General: The Legal Advisors

The Advocates General are like special legal advisors to the court. There are 11 of them. Their job is to give independent opinions on the cases brought before the court. They research the law and explain what they think the best legal solution is. The Judges then consider these opinions when they make their final decisions. Even though their opinions are not binding, they are very helpful for the Judges.

The President: Leading the Court

The President of the European Court of Justice is chosen by the Judges and Advocates General from among themselves. The President leads the court and manages its work. They are in charge of making sure the court runs smoothly and efficiently. For example, Koen Lenaerts from Belgium has been the President since 2015.

Why is the Court Important?

The European Court of Justice is super important because it helps keep the European Union working well. It makes sure that everyone in the EU, from governments to businesses and even individuals, follows the same rules. This helps create a stable and fair environment for trade, travel, and living across Europe. Without the ECJ, EU laws might be interpreted differently in each country, leading to confusion and unfairness.

Sources

• Current members, European Court of Justice.
• Former members, European Court of Justice.