C/L/236. "The original conception of the relationship between national courts and the ECJ does not capture reality. Many developments have transformed this from a horizontal and bilateral, to a vertical and multilateral relationship". Critically discuss the above statement with reference to decided cases on Article 234 of the European Community

The paper examines the relationship between the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and national courts discussing the undemocratic principle implied by Article 234 of the EU law where member states cannot question the decisions of the EU. It is argued that Article 234 of the European Community (EC) law is eroding the sovereignty of the EU member states; the development of the Article by national lawyers is described focusing on the functions of the ECJ.