Section 2. Jurisdiction and Functions
Article 61
1. Only the States Parties and the Commission shall have the right to submit a case to the
Court.
2. In order for the Court to hear a case, it is necessary that the procedures set forth in
Articles 48 and 50 shall have been completed.
Article 62
1. A State Party may, upon depositing its instrument of ratification or adherence to this
Convention, or at any subsequent time, declare that it recognizes as binding, ipso facto, and
not requiring special agreement, the jurisdiction of the Court on all matters relating to the
interpretation or application of this Convention.
2. Such declaration may be made unconditionally, on the condition of reciprocity, for a
specified period, or for specific cases. It shall be presented to the Secretary General of the
Organization, who shall transmit copies thereof to the other member states of the
Organization and to the Secretary of the Court.
3. The jurisdiction of the Court shall comprise all cases concerning the interpretation and
application of the provisions of this Convention that are submitted to it, provided that the
States Parties to the case recognize or have recognized such jurisdiction, whether by special
declaration pursuant to the preceding paragraphs, or by a special agreement.
Article 63
1. If the Court finds that there has been a violation of a right or freedom protected by this
Convention, the Court shall rule that the injured party be ensured the enjoyment of his right
or freedom that was violated. It shall also rule, if appropriate, that the consequences of the
measure or situation that constituted the breach of such right or freedom be remedied and
that fair compensation be paid to the injured party.
2. In cases of extreme gravity and urgency, and when necessary to avoid irreparable damage
to persons, the Court shall adopt such provisional measures as it deems pertinent in matters
it has under consideration. With respect to a case not yet submitted to the Court, it may act
at the request of the Commission.
Article 64
1. The member states of the Organization may consult the Court regarding the interpretation
of this Convention or of other treaties concerning the protection of human rights in the
American states. Within their spheres of competence, the organs listed in Chapter X of the
Charter of the Organization of American States, as amended by the Protocol of Buenos Aires,
may in like manner consult the Court.
2. The Court, at the request of a member state of the Organization, may provide that state
with opinions regarding the compatibility of any of its domestic laws with the aforesaid
international instruments.
Article 65
To each regular session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States the
Court shall submit, for the Assembly's consideration, a report on its work during the previous