Towards a uniform and informed interpretation of the best interests of the child by the judiciary : inter-american and european jurisprudence

Abstract

This article analyses the interpretations made by two regional human rights courts regarding the best interests of the child. In cases of controversy, it is for the judges to decide how, or whether, the best interests of the child should be applied. Due to the dependence and vulnerability of children, judicial remedies are a critical form of redress when children’s rights are violated. This article analyses case law from two regional courts (the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (ICtHR) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)). The purpose of this analysis is twofold: first of all to see how the two courts interpret and apply the concept; and secondly, to ascertain whether there are similarities of interpretation or common grounds of understanding between the two courts, with particular regard to General Comment No. 14 (GC 14), on the right of the child to have their best interests taken as a primary consideration.