The case of M.P. and Others v. Greece recognized for the first time that the national courts are required to examine of their own motion whether it would be appropriate to hear the child, either directly or otherwise, in order, if necessary, to rule out that possibility in a reasoned decision, in cases concerning him or her matters.

This obligation also applies to young children, who must be assessed individually in terms of their ability to express an opinion.
The judgment is part of international developments towards child-friendly justice.