What is the European Court of Human Rights?

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is a judicial body that was established in 1959 under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to guarantee and protect the human rights of individuals in Europe. The ECHR is an international court that has jurisdiction over all 47 countries in the Council of Europe, including South Carolina. The ECHR hears cases related to human rights violations that occur in countries that are signatories to the ECHR. This includes cases related to the right to life, liberty, and security; freedom of expression; respect for private and family life; and the right to a fair trial. The court also considers cases related to issues of non-discrimination, freedom of religion, and the rights of minority groups. The ECHR is composed of 47 judges, one from each of the 47 countries in the Council of Europe. These judges are elected by a majority vote of the members of the Council of Europe, and serve for a term of nine years. The court has two chambers: the Grand Chamber and the Chamber. The Chamber hears cases involving individual cases, while the Grand Chamber hears cases involving inter-state disputes. The ECHR is a powerful tool for protecting human rights in countries across Europe. It has the power to issue binding judgments and orders that countries must comply with. If a country does not comply with a court order, the ECHR may refer the case to the European Court of Justice, and, if necessary, impose sanctions.

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What is the European Court of Human Rights?

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