It is argued that the Advocate Generals have helped to create a distinct and identifiable body of EU law. In the context of increasingly complex legislation and legal structures, the Advocate Generals have also contributed to improving the coherence of legislation and case law. It is also argued that the legal texts and practice firmly place the Advocate General at the same time within the CJEU and yet outside the Court. The institutional and functional rules governing the role of the Advocate General do have an impact on the judicial decision-making process. Some suggestions for reforming the role of the Advocate General in order to integrate the Advocate General more fully within the Court and to strengthen the role are also made.
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