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Schleswig-Holstein

Lay judge (honorary judge): Application

Fit for the office of lay judge

Information for lay judges

Lay assessors are the honorary judges who sit on the criminal courts at the district and regional courts. They have the same rights and duties as professional judges when passing judgment in criminal proceedings. In concrete terms, this means that lay assessors, together with the professional judges, decide on the guilt and innocence of the accused and, in the event of a guilty verdict, also on the sentence to be imposed. The office of lay judge is therefore a responsible and socially important honorary office.

Aldermen's guide - information for elected aldermen and alderwomen

We have compiled information for lay judges and those interested in serving as lay judges in the lay judges' guide. The lay assessors' guide, which you can download or order below, provides information on the following questions:

• What are lay assessors?
• Who can become a lay assessor?
• How do I apply to be a lay judge?
• Who do I need to contact?
• What deadlines do I need to observe?

The lay assessors' guide also provides an overview of the rights and duties of lay assessors. Last but not least, the lay assessor's guide also contains information on the requirements for the office of lay assessor. In principle, lay assessors are not required to have any special knowledge of the law. In particular, lay assessors should bring their social skills, knowledge of human nature and empathy as well as their life and professional experience to the main hearing. Nevertheless, basic knowledge of criminal procedural law is important for the responsible exercise of the function of lay assessor. For this reason, the Schöffenfibel also provides detailed information on the structure of criminal jurisdiction, the course of criminal proceedings and the advice given to the court.

Further information

In addition, further valuable information is available for lay assessors, those interested in serving as lay assessors and those involved in the election of lay assessors:

Election procedure and useful information for lay assessors

The information sheet for lay assessors, which you can download below, also provides you with important information about the office of lay assessor. Here, for example, you will find information about the procedure for electing lay assessors and who can become a lay assessor.

Comprehensive information on the election procedure for lay assessors and interesting facts about the office of lay assessor, such as answers to frequently asked questions, can also be found on the website of the Northern Association of Lay Assessors (https://schoeffen-nord.de)and the Federal Association (https://schoeffen.de)of the German Association of Lay Judges (DVS).

Help for local authorities and proposing organizations

On the DVS website (https://schoeffen.de) also provides assistance to municipalities and proposing organizations.

Using sample texts, practical tips are provided for local authorities and members of representative bodies as well as for social organizations on how interested citizens can be made aware of the office and mobilized for it. Forms are provided to simplify the work of administrative staff.

• The lay assessors' primer
• Election procedure and interesting facts for lay assessors
• German Association of Lay Judges (DVS) Regional Association North e.V.