Welcome to the webpage on exchange of information on foreign law.

With the adoption of the European Convention on Foreign Law (ETS No. 62) and its Additional Protocol (ETS No. 97), the Council of Europe created conventional mechanisms for co-operation between states to facilitate the establishment of the content of foreign law coming into play in domestic legal proceedings.

Under the Convention, it is possible to request information on civil and commercial law and procedure, as well as the organisation of the judiciary. Under the Additional Protocol, information can also be requested on both substantive and procedural criminal law, as well as the organisation of the judiciary, including the Public Prosecutor's office, and on law relating to the enforcement of criminal measures.

To facilitate exchanges, the CDCJ has developed tools for practitioners, including a practical guide; downloadable standard forms summarising the key points to include in requests for information and replies; and relevant information on the states parties (contact details of the receiving bodies; preferred formats and language(s) for exchanges; status of states parties to the Convention and/or its Additional Protocol). 

Enjoy your visit!