Certified Information Privacy Professional – Europe (CIPP/E) — Question 21

What is an important difference between the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in relation to their roles and functions?

Answer options

• A. ECHR can rule on issues concerning privacy as a fundamental right, while the CJEU cannot.
• B. CJEU can force national governments to implement and honor EU law, while the ECHR cannot.
• C. CJEU can hear appeals on human rights decisions made by national courts, while the ECHR cannot.
• D. ECHR can enforce human rights laws against governments that fail to implement them, while the CJEU cannot.

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is B because the CJEU has the power to ensure that EU law is applied consistently across member states, compelling governments to adhere to it. In contrast, while the ECHR deals with human rights violations, it does not have the authority to enforce EU law or compel member states in the same way as the CJEU. The other options inaccurately describe the roles and capabilities of these two courts.