Reform of the specialist courts in Schleswig-Holstein: Where are they closed?

Reform of the specialist courts in Schleswig-Holstein: Where are they closed?

Schleswig-Holstein is on the way to introducing a comprehensive specialist court structural reform. Again NDR reported, the resolutions were passed today that will result in the merger of several court locations. Justice Minister Kerstin von der Decken (CDU) has announced that the draft reform law has been approved by the cabinet and will now be submitted to the state parliament. The aim is to use synergies and still maintain public justice across the board.

The reform stipulates that specialist courts will in future be housed in 10 instead of 17 buildings. As part of this restructuring, the labor court in Flensburg will be dissolved and will only continue to operate as a branch. In addition, the labor court in Neumünster will be merged with that in Kiel. Corresponding measures also affect other locations such as Elmshorn and Flensburg, which will also be closed down and reorganized as branches.

Advantages and challenges of the reform

The minister emphasizes the advantages of this reform, especially the possibility of being able to appear more flexibly on site through video hearings and direct court days. She sees the changes as a necessary step to consolidate the budget. At this point she points out the need to better compensate for employee absences. The savings are estimated at 63 million euros by 2040, according to the LTO further reported.

However, there are also clear criticisms. The Ombudsman believes that the planned closures could affect proximity to citizens. In addition, a broad alliance of DGB, social associations and judges' associations has been formed that is planning a protest against the reform. These opponents are calling for open dialogue and the reversal of the cabinet decision, which has already caused an outcry in the judicial community.

Concrete changes and implementations

Work is already underway on the specific implementations. For example, the Flensburg Labor Court has already been relocated to the building of the Flensburg District and Regional Court. The aim is to bring all social and labor courts together at one point in order to create a central contact point. A review of the district court structures is also planned next year in order to discuss possible reductions.

To ensure implementation, court employees, supported by project groups, are working on the practical design of the reform. Minister von der Decken will be confronted with opposition in the coming months and will have to face critical voices from both the opposition and various associations.

Overall, it remains to be seen how this reform will be implemented in practice and whether it will achieve the desired effect without impairing access to justice for citizens in Schleswig-Holstein.

For further information on the status of the reform, those interested can view the state government's official announcements on its website schleswig-holstein.de read up.