The freedom of expression of lawyers through the practice of the European Court of Human Rights

Freedom of expression represents an important aspect of liberty that has had a profound influence on the development of human society. Also, the protection of this freedom been explicitly stated in numerous national and international legal acts. This paper presents an analysis of the way in which the right to freedom of expression of a particular group of persons (i.e. lawyers) is protected through the practice of the European Court of Human Rights. The author's view is that lawyers have to enjoy a higher degree of protection of the right to freedom of expression than other persons because of the importance of their role in society. Consequently, the limitations of this freedom should be restricted. Furthermore, the manner in which freedom of expression is protected by the European Convention on Human Rights and the practice of the European Court of Human Rights is analysed. Finally, a special emphasis is placed on the possibility of limiting this freedom through an analysis of the European Court of Human Rights' verdicts on this matter.