Human Rights Court struggles with backlog
Annual survey reveals nearly 80,000 cases pending
The European Court of Human Rights has almost 80,000 cases pending, according to its annual survey just released.
Last year saw 41,700 new allocated applications - the court's measure of incoming business - a 6% rise on 2006, giving a total of 79,427 cases currently before the court. A lack of funding and suitable judges has contributed to the backlog, with some cases dating back to the mid-1990s.
However only a minority of cases go to a full hearing. The survey also discloses that 27,057 cases were declared inadmissible or struck off, while 1,735 were disposed of by judgment.
Four countries account for more than half of the court's outstanding cases. Russia is defending 20,296 cases, Turkey 9,173, Romania 8,275 and the Ukraine 5,811. Last year the Turkish government was found guilty of human rights violations in 319 cases.
The number of current cases against the UK is 1,363. This compares with 2,350 for France, 2,500 for Germany and 2,900 for Italy.
The only European country which does not recognise the court is Belarus.
Current News28.08.08 Auditor of Court appointedKenneth Cumming to take over from Neil Crichton at the Court of Session 28.08.08 Education advocacy services given government cashFunding for children's additional support needs advocacy 28.08.08 North move for private client specialistMark Stewart joins Aberdeen firm Stronachs as a partner 28.08.08 Database of domestic abusers neededHMIC recommends Scottish police forces adopt common practices and processes 27.08.08 Shared equity scheme details outNew supply shared equity intended to help people on low incomes get on housing ladder 27.08.08 Prison population hits record levelsMore than 8,000 people now locked up; SPS says it can contain but not provide services 26.08.08 Concerns over mortgage requirement changeSociety says revised new-build instructions to solicitors not appropriate for Scots market 26.08.08 MSP proposes equity fines for companiesOwners should be accountable for health and safety breaches, says SNP's Wilson 25.08.08 Legislation needed for land management rowHome owners should not be locked in to manintenance agreements, says MP 25.08.08 Special meeting backs Society's strategyReview group the way to keep up pressure on legal aid, solicitors agree 25.08.08 Eight Scottish law firms in UK top 100Magazine survey rates firms according to turnover for last year 22.08.08 Lawyers meet to discuss legal aid reformsLaw Society 'puzzled' by Glasgow Bar Association's call for special meeting 22.08.08 Law firm's dress down Fridays benefit charity£1,000 plus donation to Ayrshire Cancer Support from staff at HBJ Claims Solutions 22.08.08 Meeting to discuss vulnerable witness measuresJustice Secretary and Lord Advocate want to ensure compliance with Act 22.08.08 Call for Chancellor to freeze stamp dutyEdinburgh five hand in petition, saying such a move would help the property market |