German Judges Visit Schools to Discuss Democracy

Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court celebrated its 75th anniversary by sending judges to schools in all 16 states to discuss democracy. The initiative aimed to engage students in places where the court’s presence is less felt, both geographically and culturally.

Judges in the Classroom: A Unique Anniversary

Each of the 16 judges from Karlsruhe visited a school, bringing a birthday cake adorned with red marzipan resembling their robes. The goal was to connect with students and discuss democracy in regions like Weimar-West, where the court’s influence is less visible.

In Weimar, Judge Martin Eifert engaged with students at the Carl Zeiss Community School, answering questions ranging from his salary to the independence of the court. Students were curious about his role, with one asking if the court could be influenced by political parties. Eifert explained the court’s procedures, emphasizing that only constitutional arguments matter.

In Magdeburg, Judge Holger Wöckel faced questions about the court’s power and independence. Students debated whether the court is too influential and if party involvement in judge selection compromises its neutrality. Wöckel clarified that judges are elected by a two-thirds majority in parliament, ensuring independence.

The court‘s outreach aimed to humanize its judges and support trust. In Weimar, Eifert’s openness to personal questions, such as his salary and work-life balance, helped students see him as more than just a figure of authority. One student asked if it’s hard to remain impartial, to which Eifert replied it wasn’t difficult for him.

These visits, while not a substitute for full civic education, offered students a rare opportunity to interact with a constitutional judge. For many, it was a chance to understand the human side of the institution and decide whether to trust it. As Eifert moved through the classrooms, he emphasized, “You can ask me anything,” and the students did, revealing their curiosity about the man behind the robe.

Students Challenge Court’s Independence and Power

In Magdeburg, students questioned Judge Holger Wöckel about the Federal Constitutional Court’s power and independence. When asked if the court is truly independent despite political parties’ role in selecting judges, opinions were divided. Wöckel explained that while parties propose candidates, judges are elected by a two-thirds majority in parliament, ensuring independence.

The discussion also touched on whether the court should override democratic majorities. One student argued this was undemocratic, while another countered that democracy must protect minorities. The high level of debate reflected students’ engagement, though the atmosphere remained formal. Political views, they noted, often stem from their family backgrounds.

Justice Minister Franziska Weidinger highlighted the court’s impact, citing how Sachsen-Anhalt swiftly changed laws after the court ruled prisoners’ wages were too low. Despite the insightful exchange, students remained uncertain about the court’s role, though they planned to reflect further on the discussion.

Beyond the Classroom: A Broader Impact

The court’s initiative extended beyond Weimar and Magdeburg, with each of the 16 judges visiting schools across Germany’s 16 states. In Berlin, Judge Heinrich Amadeus Wolff engaged with students at the Friedrich-Bergius-Schule, addressing questions about his role and the court’s independence. Similarly, in Homberg (Efze), Judge Yvonne Ott discussed the draft law with students, highlighting the court’s role in constitutional matters.

The Court’s Image and Public Trust

The Federal Constitutional Court has historically enjoyed high public trust, but recent years have seen a decline. The 2025 Allensbach survey revealed that only 63% of Germans have strong trust in the court, a significant drop from 81% in 2021. This shift may be attributed to various factors, including controversial decisions, the court’s low profile during the COVID-19 pandemic, and political controversies involving its president.