Nationwide initiative to hire new members for the justice system of the country
Minister Marion Gentges of Baden-Württemberg has set a goal to reduce distances and foster closer connections between citizens and the justice system. This objective is being pursued through improved communication and modernisation of judicial procedures to enhance accessibility.
In a bid to ensure the justice system remains a guarantor and foundation for the rule of law and stability in the future, Minister Gentges has launched the project "Future-oriented - Advancing the rule of law together". This project, which started at the beginning of 2023, aims to address the concerns of Baden-Württemberg residents, many of whom perceive the justice system as overwhelmed (41%) or complex (35%).
The project has identified several areas for improvement. Too lenient penalties and overly complex laws have been identified as problems by 38% and 42% of the surveyed residents respectively. Additionally, insufficient digitization and inadequate public relations work have also been flagged as issues by 33% and 27% of the surveyed residents respectively.
To tackle these issues, the project is implementing strategies common in German justice reforms. These include introducing clear and accessible information, expanding digital services, and offering mediation and alternative dispute resolution options.
The Ministry of Justice has also launched a new personnel campaign to strategically direct recruitment and highlight career opportunities in the justice system. This campaign is accompanied by a social media strategy, with a video featuring a young judge named Janina sharing her reasons for choosing a career in the state justice system.
The project is a collaborative effort, with nearly 20,000 justice officials, lawyers, representatives of related professions, the police, the public sector, economy, industry, other interest groups, citizens, and experts contributing to its development.
Despite the efforts, the duration of proceedings remains the biggest problem for 59% of the surveyed residents. Half of those surveyed also believe that the judiciary lacks closeness to citizens, mainly attributing this to a lack of communication and public relations.
However, 38% of Baden-Württemberg residents see the justice system as "fair". This suggests that while there is room for improvement, the efforts being made by the Ministry of Justice are appreciated by many.
References: [1] [Link to the source] [2] [Link to the source]
- In the pursuit of strengthening the connections between citizens and the justice system, Minister Gentges introduces "Future-oriented - Advancing the rule of law together," a project aimed at addressing the concerns of residents, particularly the perceived complexity and inadequate communication with the justice system.
- To address concerns related to service and politics, the "Future-oriented" project is implementing strategies that not only improve digital services and offer mediation options, but also focus on clear communication, extensive public relations work, and a new personnel campaign to increase the transparency and accessibility of the justice system.
