Justice Ministers Summit: Ministers Condemn Attacks on Justice - "We Will Not Tolerate This"
Authority figures rebuking assaults against Judicial branch - 'Such actions will not be accepted' - Officials express concern over assaults on justice - "We should not permit"
Here's the lowdown on the recent gathering of justice ministers:
After the chilling death threats targeted at judges in Berlin, ministers from federal and state governments have collectively condemned any aggression towards the judiciary and its autonomy. "Those who dare to assault or intimidate judges are striking at the core of our legal order," declared Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) during the conference in Saxon Bad Schandau. "We stand united with the courts and prosecutors' offices," the consensus statement by federal and state ministers affirms.
Hubig: "We won't put up with this"
Such incidents cause immense distress to the affected judges, Hubig reported. "For me, as a representative of the independent judiciary, they are deeply alarming. They're directed not at individuals, but at the law itself - and the very idea of an autonomous judiciary." "We won't put up with this," she reiterated. "It's unacceptable that judges, prosecutors, and their families are threatened and discouraged from doing their job."
Against the backdrop of escalating pressures on courts and judicial institutions, the ministers called for an urgent rejuvenation of the Rule of Law Pact. Based on a resolution at their departmental conference, the judiciary should be modernized through enhanced digitization, quicker proceedings, and sustainable workforce reinforcement in collaboration with the federal government.
Geiert: Rule of Law Pact Now and Quickly
"This sentiment from the states to Berlin is crystal clear: the Rule of Law Pact is paramount to us, and it's time to act," stated Saxony's Justice Minister Constanze Geiert (CDU), presiding over the Justice Ministers' Conference. Hubig considered it a powerful expression of solidarity between federal and state governments. "We are determined to fortify the rule of law together." It all comes down to the trust citizens put in the judiciary. Key focuses are accelerating proceedings and streamlining legal procedures. "I believe that we'll find effective solutions when it comes to personnel and resources," Hubig assured.
Additional posts and financial support for digitization are part of the plan. Moreover, there's a call for the federal government to hastily establish a long-term strategy for the sustainable strengthening of the rule of law with a revised Pact.
Gallina: Rule of Law More Than Just the State Justice Administration
"The rule of law is more than just the cumulative sum of state justice administration," Hamburg's Justice Senator Anna Gallina (Greens) asserted. "We are currently witnessing a threat from both within and without." Over the next few years, substantial investment should be made to ensure the continued functionality of the rule of law, she argued, for the sake of public trust in the justice system.
Vote for regulations to protect jury elections
The assembly also backed a proposal by Saxony for a regulation enabling incumbent jurors to remain in office until a new jury election is completed, thereby preventing roadblocks in jury elections and stagnation in the administration of justice. Hubig is set to draft a bill for this promptly to facilitate smooth jury elections.
Facilitating a fresh start for victims of domestic violence
The ministers also voiced support for a measure advocating a simpler process for victims seeking to leave joint rental agreements with abusive partners, without being burdened by ongoing rental payments for the perpetrator.
Hubig: Domestic Violence a Major Concern
According to Hubig, substantial improvements in criminal law should be considered when it comes to criminal protection during separations and gender-specific crimes. "Currently, a man who slays a woman for ending a relationship can already face murder charges," Hubig said. "However, we should explore further refinements in our criminal law."
In summary, justice ministers have reaffirmed their commitment to combating attacks on the judiciary and protecting the rule of law, while pushing for an updated Rule of Law Pact, focusing on digitization, streamlined proceedings, and a bolstered workforce. There are also plans to enhance support for victims of domestic violence and make it simpler for them to exit boundary-pushing living situations.
- Justice
- Justice Ministers' Conference
- Stefanie Hubig
- Berlin
- Digitalization
- Bad Schandau
- Constanze Geiert
- Death Threat
- Saxony
- Rule of Law
- SPD
- Anna Gallina
- Germany
Insights:
- The Rule of Law Pact and the measures proposed for its renewal are primarily focused on enhancing digitization, accelerating court proceedings, and reinforcing the judiciary's workforce.
- There have been rapid changes to the German Fundamental Law, with amendments being approved by the Bundestag and Bundesrat in March 2025 [2].
- On June 1, 2025, German courts reaffirmed a decision invalidating Chancellor Friedrich Merz's border pushback policy, with implications for government credibility and EU relations [3].
- There are ongoing endeavors to strengthen democratic frameworks within Europe [4].
- The Justice Ministers' Conference in Bad Schandau escalated calls for the rapid modernization of the judiciary, emphasizing enhanced digitization, quicker proceedings, and sustainable workforce reinforcement as key components of a revitalized Rule of Law Pact.
- In light of the escalating threats to the judiciary, justice ministers collectively advocated for a robust reformation of the legal system, advocating for stronger protection of judges, prosecutors, and victims of domestic violence, while also aiming to streamline court proceedings under the banner of upholding the rule of law in EC countries, politics, and general news.
