European Day of Lay Judges

The European Day of Lay Judges was first initiated on May 11, 2012, in order to consolidate the necessity of citizens' participation in jurisdiction. It is the result of an eight-year process which over the course of time brought together honorary judges from 17 countries. All of them have the common conviction that the participation of the people in jurisdiction is "a fundamental principle in any democratic society" (Charter).

From 2010 to 2012, activities on elaborating the Charter and inaugurating the European Day of Lay Judges were financially supported by the European Commission and organised by the European Academy Berlin.

The participating organisations (see here) expressed their conviction in a "European Charter of Lay Judges" (see here). The Charter describes participation of representatives from the people in jurisdiction as an essential element of democracy.

The project documentary "European Day of Lay Judges" (download here) provides more information on the project and on citizens' participation in jurisdiction.
Further information about the project can be obtained by contacting Claudia Rehrs (cr@eab-berlin.eu, +49 30 895951-37) or Dr. Mechthild Baumann (mb@eab-berlin.eu, +49 30 895951-36.