Criminal law and criminal justice policy are no longer exclusively made on a national level. Supra-national bodies, such as the European Union (“EU”), are increasingly influencing the future of criminal justice in Europe. The European Court of Human Rights continues to have an important impact throughout the member states of the Council of Europe (“the member states”). These changes present a need for an organisation of defence lawyers able to advocate rights and minimum standards for all persons suspected, accused or convicted.
Mission statement
The primary purpose of the European Criminal Bar Association (ECBA) is to be a leading group of independent criminal defence lawyers in the Council of Europe promoting the fundamental rights of persons under criminal investigation, suspects, accused and convicted persons.
The ECBA’s objectives
- Building a widespread association of criminal defence lawyers, from all member states.
- Promoting the rights of persons under criminal investigation, suspects, accused and convicted persons in the member states.
- Becoming a leading lobbyist and consultant on criminal law and justice in Europe.
- Promoting the interests of members in their professional development and in professional matters of common concern.
