On 22 June 2016, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the European Court of Human Rights launched a practical handbook on European law relating to access to justice. The Handbook is a comprehensive guide to European law in this area that seeks to raise awareness and improve knowledge of relevant standards set by the European Union and the Council of Europe, particularly through the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU and the European Court of Human Rights.

It is designed to assist judges, prosecutors and legal practitioners involved in litigation in EU and Council of Europe Member States with legal issues relating to access to justice. Non-governmental organisations and other bodies that assist individuals in accessing justice will also find it useful.

The publication focuses principally on civil and criminal law. It covers such issues as

• a fair and public hearing before an independent and impartial tribunal;
• legal aid;
• the right to be advised, defended and represented;
• the right to an effective remedy;
• length of proceedings; and
• other limitations on access to justice.

It also examines access to justice in selected areas:

• victims of crime;
• people with disabilities;
• prisoners and pre-trial detainees;
• environmental law; and
• e-justice.

The handbook at this moment is only available in English and French. Other language versions will follow.

More information:

• Article European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights on the handbook
• Main page FRA regarding the handbook
• Direct link to Handbook on access to justice in Europe, English version (pdf)
• Direct link to Manuel de droit européen en matière d’accès à la justice (pdf)
• Website European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights
• Website European Court of Human Rights