The pilot judgment procedure was developed by the European Court of Human Rights to address structural or systemic problems affecting large numbers of individuals and giving rise to numerous repetitive applications. It enables the Court to identify shortcomings in national legal systems and indicate the measures required to remedy them, while adjourning pending repetitive cases until the adoption of the required measures by the respondent State within a timeframe set by the Court.
This factsheet presents examples of measures adopted by member States in response to pilot judgments on a wide range of systemic problems that affect the protection of Convention rights. It highlights legislative, administrative and practical measures implemented by national authorities in areas ranging from conditions of detention and judicial proceedings to environmental protection, private and family life or property rights. These measures aim to address systemic problems and provide redress to those affected.
This is the latest in a series of thematic factsheets on changes to national law, policy and practice across Europe linked to the implementation of the European Court’s judgments. Other factsheets address a wide range of issues, including excessive length of proceedings, the independence and impartiality of the judicial system, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, children’s rights, migrants and asylum, reproductive rights and data protection.
