Strasbourg, 10 November 2017: The Consultative Council of European Judges has just adopted Opinion No. 20 on the role of the courts with respect to the uniform application of the law, which is essential to the principle of equality before the law and the right to a fair trial (Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights). In its opinion, in the context of judicial procedures, the CCJE determines the effect and the level of application of the formal, semi-formal and informal mechanisms which enable courts to produce a coherent case-law, according to the jurisdictions from which the case-law emerges. The Opinion No. 20 also highlights the importance of an adequate system for reporting on case law. The CCJE will transmit this opinion to the Committee of Ministers responsible for ensuring its application in the Council of Europe member states.