This text covers the Academy of European Law which was established by the European University Institute in 1990 and extends the Institute's programmes into a larger field of interest. Its main activity is the organization of annual Summer Courses in the law of the European Community and the protection of human rights in Europe. In addition to general courses, shorter courses are held on subjects of special academic and practical interest in both fields. Finally, special guest lectures on topical issues are given by policy-makers, judges and persons who have held or currently hold the highest positions in these fields. The courses are published in the language in which they were delivered (English and French).