In democratic society where rule of law prevails it is important everyone to have proper access to justice which will enable people to protect themselves against violations of their rights. For this purpose on 22 June 2016, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the European Court of Human Rights launched a very useful handbook on European law relating to access to justice.

This is a guidebook designed for lawyers, judges and other legal specialists that provides them with a crucial legal resource in order to support people who face difficulties in effectively enjoying access to justice. As a guide to European law relating to access to justice, the handbook aims to increase awareness and develop knowledge of relevant standards established by the European Union and the Council of Europe, specifically through the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU and the European Court of Human Rights.

The primary focus of the guidebook is on civil and criminal law. It deals with the issues like fair and public hearing before an impartial and independent tribunal; the right to be advised, defended and represented; legal aid; the right to an effective remedy; length of proceedings; and other limitations on access to justice. The publication also investigates access to justice in following areas: victims of crime; prisoners and pre-trial detainees; people with disabilities; environmental law and e-justice.

The handbook was launched in June 2016 during the first Fundamental Rights Forum in Vienna, organized by FRA. The Forum brought together decision-makers, experts and grassroots workers from the EU member states to discuss new methods of addressing Europe’s fundamental rights challenges.

Currently, the handbook is available in English and French languages, though other language versions will soon be accessible.