During the last thirty years the European Court of Human Rights has been developing,at an expanding pace, positive obligations under the European Convention. This monograph seeks to provide a critical analysis of the burgeoning case law concerning positive obligations, a topic which is relatively uncharted in the existing literature. Positive obligations require many different forms of action by member states, ranging from effectively investigating killings through to protecting peaceful demonstrators from violent attacks by their opponents. The contemporary significance of these obligations is graphically illustrated by the fact that it is the obligation upon states to provide fair trials to determine civil and criminal proceedings within a reasonable time that is the source of the overwhelming majority of complaints to the European Court in recent years. The study examines the legal bases and content of key positive obligations. Conclusions are then drawn concerning the reasons for the development of these obligations and areas of potential expansion are identified.

The European Convention on Human Rights can now be invoked by 800 million people across 47 member States. It is the most developed and successful system of international legal protection for fundamental human rights in existence. The first two editions of this widely used and highly praised work were designed to address the challenge faced by undergraduate and postgraduate students in comprehending the extensive, complex and lengthy jurisprudence emanating from Strasbourg. This updated edition continues that mission. It provides a selection of the leading jurisprudence, together with commentary, enabling readers to gain a critical and contemporary understanding of the major rights and freedoms guaranteed by the ECHR. Separate chapters are devoted to each of the fundamental rights, providing an in-depth analysis of the rights and freedoms and their limitations. An examination of the background to the creation of the Convention, and the constantly developing system of adjudication and remedies at the European level are also included. Cases, Materials, and Commentary on the European Convention on Human Rights is essential reading for all those wishing to gain a full understanding of this vital and ever-developing area of law.