Multilingual interpretation of CJEU case law: rule and reality

Publishers Abstract:
Reflects on the obstacles to transparency created by the multilingual nature of decisions of the European Court of Justice. Reviews the debate over the textualisation of precedent and the judicial uncertainties associated with the court's reasoning, the working language regime used by the court irrespective of the language of the case, and the role played by language in the drafting of judgments. Examines the court's reticence in clarifying multilingualism's role in interpreting case law, and discusses the inconsistent attitudes of the Advocates General towards the purpose of multilingualism.