Germany to tighten vetting of lay judges under new Justice Ministry draft

The Federal Justice Ministry in Germany is preparing an amendment to the German Judges Act that would introduce stricter checks on candidates for the lay‑judge (Schöffen) office. The draft would require applicants to provide a written declaration confirming their commitment to the free democratic basic order and to disclose any possible exclusion reasons, such as past violations of human rights, rule‑of‑law standards, or former employment with the East German secret police. The ministry plans to establish a uniform, nationwide verification procedure involving the domestic intelligence service (Verfassungsschutz) and to set clear rules for the suspension or removal of lay judges if doubts arise during their term. The Union parliamentary group, represented by CDU deputy Günter Krings, supports the move, arguing that the current patchwork of regional practices must end. The AfD faction opposes the proposal, calling it a threat to judicial independence. If enacted, the reform would create a binding, federal‑level selection process for lay judges across Germany.