The main objective of the CCJE Opinions is to provide a framework, developed by judges themselves, of the expected characteristics of a judicial system in order to meet the requirements of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (the Convention), both in terms of the status of judges and the functioning of courts. Mr Alain Lacabarats, President of the Chamber of the Cassation Court of France, current member of the CCJE in respect of France and former President of the CCJE, has prepared an overview of the CCJE Opinions.