The Court of Justice is composed of 27 judges who are assisted by 8 advocates-general, both of which are appointed on unanimous approval by all member state governments and hold office for a renewable term of six years. Governing law requires they be selected from among those legal practicioners whose independence is “beyond doubt” and who possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed to the highest judicial offices in their respective countries or who are recognized for their expertise. In practice, each member state nominates a judge whose appointment is then ratified by all the other member states.
The President of the Court of Justice is elected by and from the ranks of the Court’s judges for a renewable term of three years. The President of the Court presides over hearings and deliberations and oversees both judicial and administrative business for the Court, e.g., the calendar and docket of the Court and Grand Chamber. The President also assigns cases to divisions for examination and appoints reporting judges (rapporteurs). The Council also appoints assistant reporting judges to aid reporting judges in the their duties and the President with requests for interim rulings.