Which of the following is a characteristic of the enforcement strengths of the European Court of Human Rights?

The ability of the European Court of Human Rights to award just satisfaction is a significant characteristic of its enforcement strengths. When the Court finds a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, it has the authority to order states to provide a remedy, which often includes compensation for victims. This mechanism empowers the Court to play an active role in not only recognizing human rights violations but also ensuring that victims have an avenue for redress. The award of just satisfaction serves as a pivotal tool for accountability and encourages states to comply with the Court's judgments, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the Court in promoting and protecting human rights across member states.

The other aspects mentioned in the options serve different functions in the context of the Court’s operations and limitations. The idea that judgments are not binding does not accurately reflect the enforcement mechanism; rather, the judgments are indeed binding, though compliance might vary. While the Court strives for compliance without political pressure, the actual enforcement can be complex and influenced by various factors, including political will. Lastly, the reliance on police powers for enforcement is not a characteristic of the European Court, as it does not possess police powers; instead, it relies on states to implement its judgments through national legal mechanisms and institutions.