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⚖️ Lay judges and honorary offices in the justice system

As a lay judge (Schöffe) you help decide cases. Next election in 2028 for the term 2029 to 2033.

lay judge (Schöffe) lay judge election honorary judge term of office application nomination list

In brief

Lay judges (Schöffen) are honorary judges in criminal proceedings. They decide together with professional judges.

The term of office lasts five years. The next lay judge election takes place in 2028, for the term from 1 January 2029 to 31 December 2033.

Germans who are at least 25 and at most 69 years old at the start of the term can apply to their municipality.

Step by step

  1. Wait for the announcementThe municipality announces the 2028 lay judge election (probably early 2028).
  2. Submit your applicationTo the municipality, for the nomination list.
  3. Wait for the electionThe municipal council adopts the list; the lay judge election committee (Schöffenwahlausschuss) at the local court (Amtsgericht) makes the selection.
  4. Find out the resultNotification in autumn 2028.

Deadlines

1 January 2029 to 31 December 2033
Next term of office. Election in 2028.State justice administrations, e.g. Bavaria, Würzburg
25 to 69 years
Age limits at the start of the term: not under 25, not over 70.§ 33 Nr. 1, 2 GVG
Watch out – common mistakes
  • The municipality sets the application deadlines; they are not yet known.
  • Detailed requirements (exclusions) have not been checked here against the statute text.
  • Honorary judges have statutory accident insurance (according to the DGUV).
  • The office is an honorary post with a duty to attend. If you are prevented, report it immediately.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Election and term of office

According to the summarised information from the state justice authorities and municipalities, the term runs from 2029 to 2033, and the election takes place in 2028 in two stages: the municipality draws up the nomination list, and the lay judge election committee at the local court makes the selection. The provisions on professional courts (Gerichtsverfassungsgesetz) were not evaluated directly.

Insurance cover

According to the DGUV, honorary judges, lay judges and witnesses belong to the group of persons covered by statutory accident insurance.

Who is responsible
  • Municipality (application)
  • Local court (Amtsgericht) (lay judge election committee)
  • State justice administration
Further reading
Volunteering and civic engagement: flat-rate allowances, accident insuranceLegal advice assistance and legal aid

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Lay judges and honorary offices in the justice system“?
As a lay judge (Schöffe) you help decide cases. Next election in 2028 for the term 2029 to 2033.
Which deadlines and figures matter?
  • 1 January 2029 to 31 December 2033: Next term of office. Election in 2028. (State justice administrations, e.g. Bavaria, Würzburg)
  • 25 to 69 years: Age limits at the start of the term: not under 25, not over 70. (§ 33 Nr. 1, 2 GVG)
What should I do first?
  • Wait for the announcement: The municipality announces the 2028 lay judge election (probably early 2028).
  • Submit your application: To the municipality, for the nomination list.
  • Wait for the election: The municipal council adopts the list; the lay judge election committee (Schöffenwahlausschuss) at the local court (Amtsgericht) makes the selection.
What do I need to watch out for?
  • The municipality sets the application deadlines; they are not yet known.
  • Detailed requirements (exclusions) have not been checked here against the statute text.
  • Honorary judges have statutory accident insurance (according to the DGUV).
Evidence
  • Gesetze im Internet, § 33 GVG, gesetze-im-internet.de/gvg/__33.html, retrieved 20 September 2026
  • Bayerisches Staatsministerium der Justiz, Schöffen (search result), retrieved 20 September 2026
  • Stadt Würzburg, Schöffenwahl 2028 (search result), retrieved 20 September 2026
  • DGUV, ehrenamtliche Richter, Schöffen und Zeugen (search result), retrieved 20 September 2026
As of

September 2026 · Sources and method

A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.