1. Place yourself in the room according to the structure below. Back of Room Front of Room Window Side Door side

2. Aims: to understand the precedence of European Courts. To understand the functions of the ECJ & ECHR The UK’s relationship with the European Courts. ECJ= European Court of Justice ECHR= European Court of Human Rights

3. Are the ECJ & ECHR the same thing? Two separate courts that originate from different authorities. The ECJ originates from the European Union, located in Luxembourg. 27 Judges each from member states and was created in 1952. The ECHR originates from the European Council, located in Strasbourg. The treaty was signed in 1950 by 26 signatories as part of the European Convention on Human Rights.

4. Convention on Human Rights The main rights are: Article 2 Right to life Article 3 Prohibition of torture Article 4 Prohibition of slavery and forced labour Article 5 Right to liberty and security Article 6 Right to a fair trial Article 7 No punishment without law Article 8 Right to respect for private and family life Article 9 Freedom of thought, conscience and religion Article 10 Freedom of expression Article 11 Freedom of assembly and association Article 12 Right to marry Article 13 Right to an effective remedy

5. Task: watch the video and answer the following: What is the ECJ’s main role? Who is accountable to the ECJ? Why do people go to the ECJ?

6. BBC News - How EU institutions work: European Court of Justice BBC News - How EU institutions work: European Court of Justice

7. Functions of the ECJ The EU’s Supreme Court. It interprets European Law and sorts out disputes on its application. If there is a conflict of provisions of European Law & UK law than European Law is to prevail. This is the last court of appeal, ‘the last resort’. Microsoft & the half billion fine.

8. Task: Read about the ECHR and answer the following: What is the main role of the ECHR? Are there any similarities to the ECJ? Is it good for democracy? Check your answers with a partner!

9. Feedback task On a piece of paper write down two things that you learnt today and one thing you would like to work more on. Hand this to Mr Edwards (you don’t have to write your name).

10. Homework Revise all we have done so far for a small test next week: What is the Judiciary? Functions of the Judiciary Structure of UK courts European courts. Go to: www.mredwardspolitics.wikispaces.com