Court Decisions on the Internet: Development of a Legal Framework in Europe

Abstract

This paper discusses the gradual development of a legal framework in Europe regarding the publication and accessibility of court decisions on the internet. The evolving doctrine of the European Court of Human Rights on the public pronouncement of judgment is assessed, as are developments in national legislations with regard to the full or selected publication of case law. Specific attention is paid to data protection, Open Data and the European Case Law Identifier.

Keywords: Case law databases, publication of court decisions

JEL Classification: K40