Title: Cases before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Course: Inter-American Human Rights System - 2nd. Edition > Section: Petition and Case System

The Commission may refer a case to the Court only if the State has recognized the jurisdiction of the Court.

In addition, the Commission will take into account the information provided by the victim and/or the petitioner, the seriousness of the violation and the importance of the case for Inter-American doctrine, and domestic judicial systems.

The procedure before the Court is complex and requires the advice of a lawyer. If a victim cannot afford a lawyer, then there is recourse to the Court's legal assistance fund . There are normally hearings for each case.

Once the procedure is completed, the Court will issue a judgment on admissibility, merits and reparations, and establish the measures that the State must implement to remedy the violation.

Watch this video to learn more about the proceedings before the Court.

The Commission and the Court do not judge the culpability or innocence of individual persons; they can only decide the international responsibility of the State, regardless of its government.

The Court can hold hearings to monitor compliance with the judgment.