Inside the European Court of Justice: A Biographical Approach

This chapter adopts a biographical approach, highlighting key institutional and legal transformations in the history of European law that came about as a result of the personalities appointed to the European Court of Justice. Through an analysis of primary sources, including archival materials and case law, the chapter explores the social and political backgrounds of judicial appointees and how these shaped the evolution of the court’s jurisprudence and more generally institutional behaviour. By charting the Court’s institutional responses and interactions with the member state, this chapter contributes to a clearer understanding of judicial decision-making and the evolution of the constitutional practice of European law.