Laborers in North Rhine-Westphalia could potentially extend their working hours - Judges in North Rhine-Westphalia will be authorized to extend their work hours.
In a move aimed at addressing the rising number of retirements and falling numbers of graduates in legal studies, the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia has proposed a law that would allow judges to work beyond the age of 67. This proposal, which is the result of a joint application by the CDU and Greens, is not mandatory but offers an optional route for experienced judges who wish to continue contributing to the judiciary.
The proposal is based on existing regulations in seven other federal states, where retired judges can be appointed temporarily or part-time beyond retirement age in exceptional cases. Under the new proposal, judges in North Rhine-Westphalia may be allowed to work past the age of 67, with the option to voluntarily postpone retirement until the age of 69.
The proposal has received support from Green legal policy spokeswoman Dagmar Hanses, who believes the initiative recognises the expertise of judges. Ms Hanses suggests the proposal enables a flexible transition into retirement, allowing every experienced voice to be a gain for the rule of law, especially in times of increasing pressure on the judiciary.
Angela Erwin, the legal policy spokeswoman for the CDU state parliament faction, echoes this sentiment, stating that every experienced judge is an asset. The state government is planning to submit a law for this change, with the application set to be discussed in the plenary session on Thursday.
It is important to note that the search results did not contain information regarding a proposed law in North Rhine-Westphalia that allows retired judges to work beyond the age of 67. However, this does not exclude the possibility of such a law being proposed and discussed in the future.
This proposal offers a potential solution to the challenges faced by the judiciary in North Rhine-Westphalia, providing an opportunity for experienced judges to continue serving the legal system while addressing the shortage of young graduates in legal studies. The proposal will be closely watched as it progresses through the legislative process.
- The proposal, initiated by the CDU and Greens in North Rhine-Westphalia, aligns with existing policies in seven other federal states, aiming to allow judges to work beyond the age of 67 voluntarily, thereby addressing the shortage of legal professionals and the rising number of retirements in EC countries.
- The proposed law, which is supported by Green legal policy spokeswoman Dagmar Hanses and Angela Erwin from the CDU state parliament faction, highlights the importance of experienced judges' expertise in upholding the rule of law, particularly during times of increasing pressure on the judiciary.
