7. The Court of Justice: European integration and judicial institutions
This chapter considers the structure and functions of the Court of Justice of the European Union. It first traces the history and development of the European Court of Justice before discussing its structure and functions. In particular, it describes the composition of the Court, judicial appointments, what the Court does, enforcement proceedings, actions for judicial review, and the preliminary rulings procedure. The chapter goes on to explain how the Court works in a practical sense by focusing on its judicial chambers. It also examines the wider political environment in which the Court operates, such as its role in addressing the regulatory steps taken to manage the ongoing euro crisis or the issue of EU citizenship in relation to free movement rights. The chapter also offers some reflections on the nature and influence of the Court and concludes by analysing its relationship with the European Court of Human Rights.