Género

Airey buscó la separación judicial de su marido, quien la maltrataba físicamente. Como no pudo llegar a un acuerdo de separación con él, solicitó al juez que ordenara la separación. Esto le fue imposible, porque no contaba con los medios económicos, al no haber asesoramiento jurídico gratuito, para contratar un abogado. El Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos sostuvo que se trataba de una violación a su derecho a tener acceso al sistema judicial para que se dictamine sobre sus derechos y obligaciones civiles (Artículo 6).

Regulations entitled those on social security benefits to receipt of a winter fuel payment for.  The payment was available to women aged 60 and over and men aged 65 and over. Mr Taylor was 62 and brought a complaint on the basis that the regulation did not comply with the European Union Council Directive on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security. The High Court referred the interpretation of the Directive to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).  

Mrs Airey sought judicial separation from her physically abusive husband. As she was unable to conclude a separation agreement with her husband, she sought a judicially ordered separation. She was unable to obtain such an order since she lacked the financial means, in the absence of legal aid, to retain a solicitor. The European Court of Human Rights held this was a violation of her right to access a court for determination of her civil rights and obligations (Article 6). Citing international law and the Convention's intention they said that remedies must be effective not illusory.