Chapter XV: Section VII: Justice

ARTICLE 102.

Judges are independent and subject to the law only.

ARTICLE 103.

The normal judicature shall be exercised by the Court of the Realm and the Courts of the Lands.

ARTICLE 104.

Judges of the normal judicature shall be appointed for life. They may not be deposed from their office, either permanently or temporarily, nor may they be transferred to another bench, nor may they be pensioned off against their will, except in consequence of a judicial decision, and then only for the reasons, and in the form, laid down by law. Legislation may fix a retiring age, on reaching which judges must accept a pension.

This clause shall not affect suspension from office carried out in virtue of a legal enactment.

In the case of a redistribution of courts, or of circuits, the judicial administrations of the Lands may compel judges to accept transference to another bench, or pensions, but only with payment of full salary. This does not apply to commercial judges, assessors, or jurors.

ARTICLE 105.

Extraordinary courts are forbidden. Every person has the right to demand that he be produced before the competent Court. Legal enactments concerning military courts and courts-martial are not hereby affected. Military courts of honour are abolished.

ARTICLE 106.

The military judicature shall be abolished except in time of war and on board men of war. An act of the Realm shall make further provision.

ARTICLE 107.

Administrative courts both in the Realm and Lands shall be set up by legislation for the protection of the individual against decrees and ordinances of the administrative authorities.

ARTICLE 108.

An act of the Realm shall set up a Supreme Court for the German Realm.

GERMAN CONSTITUTION

SECOND CHAPTER

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF CITIZENS[34]