International courts have gained substantial influence during the last decades on most important fields of law. This development prompted and is still prompting vivid discussions on their proper role. Such debates are being argued with particular fierceness in the United States. But in reality, international courts have long been a predominantly European phenomenon. Based on a conference held in Salzburg, this volume contributes to the European model of international courts without being limited to this aspect. In articles and discussions both the academic and practioner are beeing provided with a comprehensive insight view on themes as: - From diplomacy to judging in international law - Acess to international courts - Methods of interpretation - judicial dialogue - Acceptance and criticisms of judgments - The European Court of Justice - The European Court of Human Rights - The WTO Appelate Body - The United States Courts Among the authors are the President of the European Court of Human Rights, the Chairman of the WTO Appelate Body, the President of the EFTA Court, high-ranking members of the European Court of Justice's judicial body, leading international academics and attorneys in their field of practice.