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The focus of this discussion centres on the derogation clause of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)1, i.e. Article 15. This is a complex legal provision that is comprised of various aspects. These aspects are discussed in detail and critically analysed throughout the course of this work. The first aspect of Article 15 to be analysed is the important issue of when a national authority can derogate from its obligations under the Convention. The essay then proceeds to consider the importance of the principles of proportionality and necessity with regard to the measures taken by national authorities during states of emergency. The discretion left to States regarding derogation as a result of the vague wording of the clause along with the principle of the margin of appreciation is then discussed. Next, the issues of consistency of derogations with international obligations and of non-derogable rights are critically analysed. This study concludes with a discussion of the principle of notification an...