Peaceful or Problematic? The Relationship between National Supreme Courts and Supranational Courts in Europe

Abstract

In this essay I propose to consider the implications for our legal system of the exponential growth in European law and human rights jurisprudence. This jurisprudence is now increasingly populating our domestic law. Accordingly now is a very good time to ask questions such as: why is it important to have a system of supranational courts in Europe? What can be done to improve the way they relate to national courts at the highest level? For reasons which I will explain, a successful working relationship with national supreme courts is in my view one of the most important benchmarks of success for the European supranational courts.