Press release 2/2023 of the district of Märkisch-Oderland
Aldermen are currently being sought again for the term of office from 2024 to 2028. Interested citizens who would like to take part in the administration of justice in criminal cases as representatives of the people can apply to the district of Märkisch-Oderland with immediate effect. We are looking for lay judges for the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court and the Frankfurt (Oder) Administrative Court. In addition, the district is also looking for lay assessors for the local courts. The election committee at the courts selects the required number of honorary judges for the five-year term of office from all applicants.
Background:
Honorary judges (known as lay assessors in criminal jurisdiction) work in all jurisdictions. They are elected or appointed for a period of five years. They have the same rights and duties as professional judges, unless an exception is expressly regulated by law in individual cases. They have the same voting rights. They are guaranteed judicial independence. The administrative court rules on public law disputes - primarily between citizens and administrative authorities. Its remit includes, for example, appeals by people wishing to build against the rejection of building permits they have applied for, disputes about the right to refuse military service, about recognition as a person entitled to asylum and proceedings concerning the granting of social welfare, housing benefit and other social benefits.
Honorary judges with the same rights as professional judges
The honorary judge participates in the hearing and the judgement with the same rights as professional judges. Applicants do not need to have any legal knowledge. Rather, everyday knowledge, common sense and general life experience should complement the decisions of professional judges.
Structure of the administrative jurisdiction
The administrative jurisdiction is organised in three stages. The administrative courts decide at first instance. Appeals against their decisions are heard by the higher administrative courts and the Federal Administrative Court.
Further information, such as the application forms, can be found on the Märkisch-Oderland district website.