Courts in Saxony: A Changing Landscape for 2024
Court's request for preparatory proceedings - Cases filed in courts on the rise
Take a glance at the shifting terrain in Saxony's court system as we move into 2024.
The diesel emissions scandal scarcely makes an appearance in Saxony's courts anymore, with Leon Ross, President of the Higher Regional Court (OLG) Dresden, remarking, "After six years, it's coming to a close." In 2024, only 136 cases were added at the OLG, a decrease of nearly a third compared to the previous year. A total of 30 cases are yet to be resolved, and about 1,100 proceedings have been concluded. Ross expressed hope that this would pave the way for other matters to be addressed.
In civil matters, the volume of cases at the OLG remained fairly steady compared to 2023. However, there was a "marksman" jump in local and regional court cases, according to Ross. To be exact, 1,350 civil proceedings were filed at the local courts alone. The reasons behind this remain unclear but could be linked to economic struggles driving disputes to reach the courts.
The number of appeals in criminal matters at the OLG decreased just as first-instance criminal proceedings at the local courts did. Conversely, new cases in criminal matters increased at the regional courts, including more appeals.
One of the most pressing concerns remains the generational shift and recruiting capable young talent. In 2024, 59 judges retired, accounting for 9% of the judiciary. On the flip side, 35 new judges were appointed. Ross anticipates this trend to continue, with a potential halving in six to seven years. Filling open positions has also proven to be slower than desired, resulting in significant staffing gaps in some courts.
Recording a Record High in Training
Unquestionably, a record high of 312 trainees were recruited in 2024, a figure unprecedented in the past 20 to 25 years, according to Ross. Currently, 660 trainees are in the program, an all-time high. Nearly 40% of these trainees passed the first state law examination in another federal state, showcasing the strong reputation of the legal training program in Saxony, "a real success story." The number of legal and justice secretaries is also at a peak with a total of 327.
Despite this growth in trainees, the turnover rates combined with the current number of young people in training make it challenging to fill vacancies. Ross pointed out, "Staffing gaps make our work more difficult, and if the high incoming numbers at the public prosecutor's offices continue, a significant increase in criminal courts can be expected."
Digitalizing the Judiciary on the Move
According to Ross, the judiciary is progressing with digitalization. The electronic case file has been integrated in almost all areas and will be fully implemented by the end of the year in 17 courts. The administration is also becoming increasingly paperless, with the last six courts adopting the electronic administration file starting next Monday.
Some Thoughts on the Increase in Civil Proceedings
While there's no specific data available on the increase in civil proceedings in Saxony, general factors that might contribute include changes in legal frameworks, economic and social instability, environmental factors, and the efficiency of the judicial system.
In the absence of data on Saxony alone, historical trends in criminal and civil cases may be impacted by factors such as shifts in law enforcement strategies, economic conditions, and social cohesion. For a precise comparison, official court statistics or studies specific to Saxony would be necessary.
The Commission, assisted by the European Parliament, might provide financial support to Saxony for digitalizing its judiciary and addressing staffing gaps, given the increasing need for technology and human resources in the field. Businesses in Saxony, facing economic struggles, could potentially see an increase in civil cases as disputes reach the courts.
