Voluntary work as jurors

Lay assessors ...

participate in the main hearing on an equal footing. They participate in the verdict as well as in all other decisions concerning the proceedings and thus bear the same responsibility as professional judges.

have an influence on the proceedings and the verdict. During the taking of evidence, the lay judges have the right to ask questions of the defendant, witnesses and experts, they decide on motions for evidence and make their own suggestions for the taking of evidence. Decisions on the question of guilt and the legal consequences of the offense require a two-thirds majority. The following applies both in the lay judges' court and in the criminal divisions of the regional court: no one can be convicted against the votes of both lay judges. Lay jurors must form an opinion on every decision; abstentions are not permitted.

are not liable, but punishable breaches of duty are punished. The lay assessors cannot be held civilly liable for a "wrong" verdict that has been overturned or amended on appeal or revision. They are only held liable for damages if they have committed criminal breaches of duty (for example, for bribery, obstruction of justice or persecution of innocent persons).

have protective rights as employees. Lay judges may not be restricted or disadvantaged by the assumption or exercise of their office. They must be released from work by their employer for the duration of their term of office. In addition, termination of the employment relationship because of the juror's activity is inadmissible.

Requirements

Only German citizens are eligible—and, in fact, required—to serve as lay judges. Anyone elected to this office may decline the appointment only for specific reasons prescribed by law. Lay judges must be proficient in the German language.

Lay judges must be at least 25 years old and no older than 69 years old when they take office. The decisive cutoff date for calculating age for the 2029–2033 term is January 1, 2029.

Applicants must reside in Bremen at the time the list of nominees is drawn up. A secondary residence registered with the local authorities is also sufficient if the applicant spends the majority of their time in Bremen.

Lay judges must be physically and mentally fit to perform their duties. They must not be in financial distress (insolvency, excessive debt, personal bankruptcy).

Lay judges should generally possess the following skills:

• social skills
• insight into human nature and empathy
• logical thinking and intuition
• professional experience
• Freedom from prejudice, even in extreme situations
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of criminal procedure, the significance of crime and punishment, and the importance of the role of lay judges
• The courage to pass judgment on others, and a sense of responsibility for interfering in the lives of others
• A sense of justice
• the ability to think in terms of justice
• Resilience and flexibility in defending one’s own opinion
• Communication and dialogue skills

In addition, youth lay judges should possess expertise in educational matters.

Persons are excluded who

• who have been sentenced to a prison term or juvenile sentence (including probation) of more than six months for an intentional offense,
• against whom preliminary proceedings are pending for an offense that could result in the loss of the ability to hold public office,
• who have violated the principles of humanity or the rule of law, who have served as full-time or unofficial collaborators with the State Security Service of the GDR, or who actively oppose the constitutional order.

Also excluded from serving as lay judges are individuals holding top political offices and those in judicial or judicial-related professions, such as state attorneys and public prosecutors, police officers, attorneys, notaries, court enforcement officers, correctional officers, court clerks, juvenile court clerks, or probation officers.