This is the third edition of Van Dijk and Van Hoof's classic work: "Theory and Practice of the European Convention. The developments which have taken place under the Convention since the second edition was published have been numerous and comprehensive, and the Convention has gained a central position in the legal systems of many European countries. Three Protocols have been added to the Convention; the number of Parties to the Convention has grown from twenty-two to no less than thirty-six; and the case-law concerning the Convention has increased significantly. Like its predecessors, this third edition offers a full description of the present procedural practice and case-law of both the European Commission and the European Court of Human Rights, and is an indispensable guide. Protocol No. 11 to the Convention, which will enter into force by the end of 1998, will drastically change the supervisory system under the Convention, establishing one Court. This new Court will also perform the present functions of the Commission's procedures and working methods, and by its case-law concerning admissibility. This new edition will therefore remain relevant for the practice and case-law of the new Court for many years to come.