lawyers

China

Merkel met wives of jailed human rights lawyers during China visit

German Chancellor Angela Merkel met the wives of two detained Chinese human rights lawyers during her trip to Beijing last week in a rare move for a visiting leader, the women told AFP on Monday.

ban

German judges' associations call for headscarf ban in court

Several associations of judges in Germany have proposed a headscarf ban for judges and trainee lawyers, claiming that this is a necessary measure if neutrality is to be upheld in court.

women

Women executive quota bill 'unconstitutional'

As MPs meet to discuss a planned law which would force large companies and the government to hire more women managers and executives, experts say that the bill hasn't been properly drafted.

Police

Family wound 14 police in revenge attack

After an alleged robber fell from the seventh floor of a courthouse, his enraged family members tried to storm the clinic in Hamelin where he was being treated for his injuries, wounding 14 police officers.

women

Judge orders lawyer to remove headscarf

A Berlin judge has banned a Muslim lawyer from wearing a headscarf in his courtroom stating she should show religious neutrality.

Energy

Energy firms plan legal attack on nuke phaseout

Germany's leading energy companies are hiring top lawyers to mount a legal challenge against government plans to phase out nuclear power by 2022. The firms are hoping to secure massive compensation deals.

English

Courts hear business cases in English

Courts in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia have offered to handle business cases in English for a pilot project under keen observation by other courts, which could soon follow their example.