The Court of Justice of the European Union was founded in 1952 and is based in Luxembourg. The Court of Justice of the European Union consists of two separate courts: the Court of Justice, the General Court.

The Court of Justice of the European Union interprets EU law to make sure it is applied in the same way in all EU countries, and settles legal disputes between national governments and EU institutions. Private individuals, companies and organizations can apply to the court if they believe that EU institutions have violated their rights.

The Court of Justice is made up of 27 Judges (one from each Member State), and 11 Advocates General, whose main duty is to provide their expert opinion on the case under consideration. They must exercise their duties publicly and objectively. Each judge and advocate general are appointed for a a renewable term of six years. Judges select a president who serves a renewable term of 3 years. The President directs the work of the court and presides at all of meetings and supervises all of its proceedings.

General Court  rules on actions brought by individuals, companies and organizations, as well as on competition cases.  As for EU staff cases, they are brought before the Civil Service Tribunal.

The most common 5 types of case on which The CJEU gives rulings are as follows: 1) preliminary rulings – national courts of EU countries may ask the Court of Justice for clarification and  interpretation of EU law; 2) actions against the governments of EU member states due to non-application of EU laws; 3) actions for annulment – if an EU act is believed to violate EU treaties or fundamental rights; 4) actions brought against EU institutions for their failure to act; 5) actions for damages brought against the actions or decisions of the EU by any person, company or organization.

In the Court of Justice, cases are processed in written and oral stages. At the written stage, the disputing parties give written statements to the Court which are summarised by the judge, who then writes his opinion.  At the oral stage – a public hearing is held. The case may be dealt with by 3, 5 or 15 judges (the whole Court), depending on the importance and complexity of the case. Advocates General participate in the hearing, asking questions and providing their opinion. The verdict is passed by the majority of votes and is read publicly.