The European Court of Justice: A Comprehensive Guide for Law Students

Question 1

Which of these is NOT a key role of the European Court of Justice?

Accepted Answer

Creating new EU laws

Answer

Interpreting EU laws

Answer

Ensuring EU laws are applied consistently

Answer

Resolving disagreements between EU member states

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the European Court of Justice?

Accepted Answer

Advising EU institutions on legal matters

Answer

Interpreting EU law

Answer

Enforcing EU law

Answer

Reviewing the legality of EU legislation

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a function of the European Court of Justice?

Accepted Answer

Creating new EU laws

Answer

Interpreting EU law

Answer

Ensuring the correct application of EU law

Answer

Resolving disputes between EU member states

Question 4

What core principle guides the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in its decisions?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring EU law is applied consistently across member states

Answer

Prioritizing national interests over EU goals

Answer

Following international law over EU treaties

Answer

Respecting the political decisions of EU institutions

Question 5

The primary function of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) is to:

Accepted Answer

Interpret and enforce EU law

Answer

Draft EU legislation

Answer

Govern the EU member states

Question 6

The legal basis for the ECJ's jurisdiction is:

Accepted Answer

The EU Treaties

Answer

International law

Answer

The European Convention on Human Rights

Answer

National constitutions

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a type of case that the ECJ cannot adjudicate?

Accepted Answer

Criminal cases

Answer

Preliminary rulings

Answer

Annulment actions

Answer

Infringement proceedings

Question 8

The principle of supremacy established by the ECJ holds that:

Accepted Answer

EU law prevails over national law in case of conflict

Answer

EU and national laws are on equal footing

Answer

National law prevails over EU law in case of conflict

Question 9

The 'acte clair' doctrine applied by the ECJ states that:

Accepted Answer

National courts can interpret EU law without referring to the ECJ if its meaning is clear

Answer

National courts must always refer all EU law questions to the ECJ

Answer

The ECJ has exclusive jurisdiction to interpret all EU law

Question 10

A characteristic of the ECJ's preliminary rulings is that they are:

Accepted Answer

Binding on the national court that requested them

Answer

Subject to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights

Answer

Merely persuasive

Question 11

The President of the ECJ is appointed by:

Accepted Answer

The European Council, acting by a qualified majority, for a renewable term of six years

Answer

The European Parliament, for a term of five years

Answer

The national governments of the member states, for a term of seven years

Question 12

The significance of the ECJ's 'direct effect' doctrine is that it:

Accepted Answer

Allows individuals to invoke EU law directly in their national courts

Answer

Prevents national courts from interpreting EU law

Answer

Gives the ECJ exclusive jurisdiction over all EU law matters

Question 13

What does the principle of supremacy of EU law entail?

Accepted Answer

EU law takes precedence over national law in case of conflict

Answer

EU and national laws are equally binding

Answer

National law prevails over EU law in case of conflict

Question 14

What is the main role of the Advocate General in the ECJ?

Accepted Answer

To provide an impartial legal opinion on cases before the Court

Answer

To represent the interests of the European Commission

Answer

To act as a judge in cases before the Court

Question 15

Which recent landmark case decided by the ECJ has had a significant impact on data protection?

Accepted Answer

C-363/18 PPU (Schrems II)

Answer

C-314/14 (Digital Rights Ireland)

Answer

C-163/17 (Achmea)

Answer

C-286/16 (Google Spain)

Question 16

What is the primary difference between a direct action and an indirect action in the context of the ECJ?

Accepted Answer

A direct action is brought against an EU institution, while an indirect action is brought against a national authority

Answer

A direct action is brought by an individual, while an indirect action is brought by a state

Question 17

What is the significance of the principle of judicial dialogue between the ECJ and national courts?

Accepted Answer

It promotes consistent interpretation and application of EU law across member states

Answer

It gives national courts more power in the EU legal system

Answer

It reduces the workload of the ECJ

Question 18

Of the following, which is NOT among the primary functions of the European Court of Justice (ECJ)?

Accepted Answer

Enacting legislation

Answer

Enforcing EU Law

Answer

Interpreting EU Law

Answer

Providing advisory opinions

Question 19

Identify the legal doctrine emphasizing that EU institutions must act only within the limits of the powers granted to them by the EU Treaties.

Accepted Answer

Ultra vires

Answer

Proportionality

Answer

Subsidiarity

Answer

Supremacy

Question 20

Among the types of preliminary rulings issued by the ECJ, one is:

Accepted Answer

Article 267 TFEU ruling

Answer

Advisory opinion

Answer

Judgment on the merits

Answer

Appeal

Question 21

Which principle establishes the precedence of EU Law over national laws?

Accepted Answer

Supremacy

Answer

Direct effect

Answer

Indirect effect

Answer

Mutual recognition

Question 22

The purpose of the Doctrine of State Liability is to:

Accepted Answer

Hold member states accountable for violations of EU Law

Answer

Interpret EU Law strictly

Answer

Expand the ECJ's powers

Question 23

A key characteristic of the ECJ's case law is its:

Accepted Answer

Development of general EU Law principles

Answer

Limited scope of application

Answer

Strict alignment with national legal systems

Answer

Binding effect solely for parties involved in the case

Question 24

One potential limitation affecting the ECJ's effectiveness is:

Accepted Answer

Protracted proceedings

Answer

Political bias

Answer

Restricted jurisdiction

Answer

Lack of enforcement authority