The prominence of the Advocate General is one of the most distinctive, and controversial features of the European Court of Justice. is the first comprehensive study of the Advocate General and his role in the development of EC Law. The book examines the history of the role, the questions over its future, and the role's importance in the procedures of the Court. This volume also analyzes the contribution of some of the most influential Advocates General to the development of specific aspects of Community law, including Francis Jacobs on intellectual property, Walter van Gerven on discrimination and Jean Pierre Warner on competition procedure. It explores the contributions of a range of Advocates General to specific principles of Community Law, including state liability and direct effect.