'I think this is a fascinating book, and one that will be widely read by legal practitioners and scholars across Europe and beyond. It will be particularly useful for students trying to come to terms with the many ways in which the ECHR influences and shapes widely different legal cultures and practices … The book shows the importance of the Council of Europe, and the ECHR, in facilitating this transformation and supporting States in meeting their obligation to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.' Paul Johnson, ECHR Sexual Orientation Blog (www.echrso.blogspot.co.uk)