European Court of Human Rights

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is an international court established by the European Convention on Human Rights, which seeks to enforce the human rights standards set forth in the Convention. Located in Strasbourg, France, the court hears cases brought against member states of the Council of Europe for alleged violations of the rights guaranteed by the Convention. The ECHR plays a crucial role in shaping human rights law across Europe and has addressed numerous significant issues, including freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial, and the prohibition of torture. Its recent ruling regarding Estonia's smoking ban in prisons highlights the ongoing dialogue about individual rights and state regulations.