The ECJ established the supremacy of EU law over conflicting national law, holding that member states cannot unilaterally override EU obligations through subsequent domestic legislation.

ECJ case establishing absolute supremacy of EU law over national constitutional law. German company's challenge based on constitutional rights was rejected as EU law takes precedence over all national law.

The ECJ established the doctrine of direct effect, holding that EU law creates individual rights that national courts must protect, fundamentally transforming the relationship between EU and national law.

Landmark ECJ case establishing the doctrine of direct effect of EU law. Dutch company successfully invoked EEC Treaty provisions directly against national authorities, creating individual rights enforceable in national courts.

This landmark case established that UK courts can disapply Acts of Parliament that conflict with EU law and can grant interim relief against the Crown. It fundamentally changed the relationship between EU law and domestic law in the UK.

ECJ case establishing that national courts must immediately apply EU law and set aside conflicting national legislation without waiting for formal legislative repeal or constitutional procedures.

The ECJ established that EU directives can have direct effect against member states, and that personal conduct restrictions on free movement must be based on present threats, not mere membership of organizations.

Two joined cases establishing state liability for breaches of EU law. German beer purity laws prevented French beer imports; UK fishing legislation breached EU law. ECJ held Member States liable in damages where breach is sufficiently serious and causes direct loss to individuals.

The ECJ established that Article 119 EEC (now Article 157 TFEU) on equal pay has direct effect. This landmark case enabled individuals to rely on EU treaty provisions on gender equality in national courts.

ECJ case establishing the doctrine of indirect effect, requiring national courts to interpret national law consistently with EU directives, even in disputes between private parties where direct effect is unavailable.

The ECJ established the broad Dassonville formula defining measures having equivalent effect to quantitative restrictions. Any trading rule capable of hindering intra-Community trade falls within Article 34 TFEU.

ECJ cases developing the Francovich state liability doctrine, establishing that member states are liable for legislative and administrative breaches of EU law where the breach is sufficiently serious and manifestly disregards EU law limits.

An Italian lawyer challenged the nationalisation of the electricity industry, arguing Italian law conflicted with the EEC Treaty. The ECJ held that EU law creates a separate legal order that takes precedence over national law. Member States have limited their sovereign rights by creating a body of law binding on both nationals and themselves.

The ECJ established that EU measures implementing UN Security Council resolutions must respect fundamental rights protected by EU law. The Court asserted EU law's autonomy over international obligations in protecting individual rights.

Landmark ECJ case establishing state liability for damages when member states fail to implement EU directives. Created the principle that individuals can claim compensation for losses caused by member state breaches of EU law.

EU law supremacy requires domestic courts to disapply conflicting national legislation.

A Dutch national was refused entry to the UK because of her association with the Church of Scientology. The ECJ held that Article 48 EEC and Directive 64/221 could have direct effect, allowing individuals to rely on them in national courts. However, public policy derogations permitted member states to refuse entry based on personal conduct.

European Court established that Article 6 ECHR includes an implied right of access to courts, not just fair trial procedures once proceedings have begun.

Handyside v UK established the 'margin of appreciation' doctrine in European human rights law, allowing states discretion in restricting freedom of expression for moral protection. The case arose from the UK's prosecution of a publisher for distributing a controversial children's book, balancing free speech against protection of morals.

Member states may establish financial stability mechanisms outside EU framework

European Court of Human Rights found that interrogation techniques used by UK forces in Northern Ireland constituted inhuman and degrading treatment but not torture.

The European Court of Human Rights found that the UK's injunction preventing The Sunday Times from publishing articles about the thalidomide scandal violated Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This landmark case established that restrictions on press freedom must be strictly justified and that 'prescribed by law' requires accessible and foreseeable legal standards.

German authorities refused to allow French cassis liqueur (15-20% alcohol) to be marketed, requiring 25% minimum alcohol content. The ECJ held this breached free movement of goods. Products lawfully produced and marketed in one Member State must be admitted to other Member States unless justified by mandatory requirements.

EU directives may be enforced against state entities and emanations of the state.

Extradition case clarifying consent boundaries and deceptive conduct in sexual offences.

Member states liable to compensate individuals for damage from non-implementation of EU directives

Ratification of Maastricht Treaty a non-justiciable matter of high policy.

Right to paid annual leave accrues immediately without qualifying employment periods.

Equal selling arrangements fall outside Article 34 TFEU scope

EU directives have vertical direct effect against State entities but not horizontal effect.

Member States may restrict free movement to protect fundamental values like human dignity.

EU directives cannot create horizontal direct effect between private parties

EU directives have vertical but not horizontal direct effect against state emanations only.

ECJ established multi-factor test for identifying business transfers under EU law.