Aldermen and alderwomen wanted

Anyone who is interested in justice and the administration of justice and would like to help ensure that court proceedings are fair and just should consider becoming a lay judge. Applications as honorary judges for the 2024 to 2028 term of office are now open.

On December 31, 2023, the terms of office of lay judges working in the administration of criminal justice end nationwide. As a result, new elections must be held in 2023. The City of Jena is responsible for drawing up a list of nominations for the election of lay judges and juvenile lay judges.

The office of lay assessor is a very responsible but also exciting honorary position, says Diana Kölbel from the City of Jena's legal department. As a representative of the people, you take part in the administration of justice in criminal cases against adults or juveniles, meet a wide variety of people and help the judiciary to ensure that judgments are truly made "in the name of the people".

Requirements for the office of lay assessor

We are looking for applicants for the District Court of Gera and the Local Court of Jena who live in Jena and will be at least 25 and at most 69 years old on 01.01.2024. German nationals with a sufficient command of the German language are eligible for election. Previous legal knowledge is not required. However, impartiality, independence, a sense of responsibility and maturity of judgment are expected, as well as mental agility and - due to the strenuous nature of the court service - good health. Applicants for the office of a youth court judge should have experience in youth education.

All lay judges are obliged to attend the hearings to which they have been summoned. They receive compensation for their work (e.g. for loss of earnings and travel expenses).

Applications

Applications can be submitted to the Legal Department, Am Anger 15, 07743 Jena until the end of March 2023.

Forms, further information about the office of lay assessor, including reasons for not serving as an honorary judge, and contact details of the contact persons can be found here.

Information event

The Jena Adult Education Center is offering a free information event on the rights and duties of lay judges and questions on compensation:

Take responsibility - become a lay judge!

Friday, 10.03.2023, 18:00 - 19:30, VHS Jena, Grietgasse 17a, 07743 Jena