This book studies the law, working and effect of membership of the European Convention on Human Rights within thirty-two European states. Part I of the book explains and discusses the machinery of the Convention including the Court of Human Rights and considers comparative aspects with respect to its application and effect on individual member states. Part II then comprises thirty-two chapters each focusing on a particular member state, written by a leading judge, jurist or practitioner in or from the country concerned. Part III contains a selection of key documentation for reference purposes including very recent publications or reports on topical developments such as judicial appointments or the new protocol on non-discrimination. This large volume is by far the most comprehensive and up-to-date account of the ECHR in the domestic law and practice of member states, and has been prepared in association with the Council of Europe directorate of human rights to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Convention in 1950.

The book will be of special interest in the UK where the ECHR has recently been incorporated into its own domestic law under the terms of the Human Rights Act 1998.

The editors, Robert Blackburn, Professor of Constitutional Law in the University of London and UK Legal Consultant to the Council of Europe Directorate of Human Rights, and J¨ org Pokakiwicz, Adviser in the Legal Directorate and Treaty Office of the Council of Europe, are recognised authorities on European human rights law.