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Young people as judges: Student courts promote social justice!
Find out how student courts in Bavaria, like the one in Coburg, teach young people responsibility and social skills.
Young people as judges: Student courts promote social justice!
Over the last 25 years, student courts have become firmly established in Germany and offer a growing number of young people a platform to take responsibility. These innovative Dishes enable young perpetrators to engage with their peers in an informal setting and to recognize the injustice of their actions. The focus is not on punishment, but on reparation and social justice.
The first student court was founded in Aschaffenburg a quarter of a century ago. Supported by prosecutors and police, it aims to help young people take responsibility for their actions. The negotiations take place in a relaxed atmosphere, with three student judges working with the perpetrator to develop educational measures. Creative work or anti-aggression training is often used here to make young people think and shed light on the causes of their actions reported.
The role of student judges
In Germany, almost 400 student judges are currently involved in around 21 teen courts, 14 of which are in Bavaria. These young judges range in age and are often between 14 and 20 years old. They receive special training to meet the unique challenges of their role. The majority of cases they hear are minor offenses such as theft or criminal damage. The prerequisite for this is that the perpetrator confesses and agrees to the procedure. Heinz, an experienced student judge, describes it like this: “It is important that we speak on an equal level and do not demean anyone.”
The measures proposed in these courts are tailored to the individual circumstances of the perpetrator. Whether it's community service or creative work, the goal remains the same: to help the young person reflect on his actions and lead a life free of punishment. If implemented successfully, the public prosecutor's office can even dismiss the case, which shows how important these programs are for rehabilitation states.
The future of student courts
Critics sometimes complain that teen courts are elitist and wonder whether another remnant of the juvenile justice system is needed. But proponents of these programs emphasize the importance of direct interaction with peers. “The perpetrators’ experiences are taken seriously, which often makes them rethink their living conditions,” says a representative of the student judge. Many former accused later have the opportunity to work as student judges themselves, which closes the circle of help on an equal level notes.
Overall, the development of these student courts shows how successful social-educational approaches can be in juvenile crime. Especially in Bavaria, where the majority of schools are active in this area, the aim is to offer young people a sensible alternative to traditional justice. With initiatives that are scheduled to start in 2026, such as the planned student court in Bayreuth, the positive development will certainly continue.