Question: Explain the powers of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), paying particular regard to its relationship with UK courts.
Answer: Prior to the Lisbon Treaty, it was accurate to refer to European Community law, but this reference has now been replaced by European Union law. The ECJ is the judicial arm of the EU and, in the field of Community law, its judgments overrule those of national courts. It consists of 27 judges, assisted by eight advocates general, and sits in Luxembourg. The role of the advocates general is to investigate he matter submitted to the Court and to produce a report, together with a recommendation for the consideration of the Court. The actual Court is free to accept the report or not, as it sees fit. A Court of First instance, separate from the ECJ was introduced by the Single European Act 1986. Under the Treaty of Lisbon it was renamed the General Court. It has jurisdiction in first instan......(short extract)
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Details: - Mark: 70% | Course: European Union Law | Year: 1st | Words: 1496 | References: No | Date written: Not available | Date submitted: January 27, 2013 | Coursework ID: 770
