Controversial Court Reform in Schleswig-Holstein Faces Unified Opposition

Critics argue that the proposed centralization of courts will increase travel burdens and delay justice.

Schleswig-Holstein's Justice Minister Kerstin von der Decken defends plans to consolidate social and labor courts despite widespread criticism.
Opponents, including tenant associations and social landlords, argue that reducing court locations will lead to longer travel times and extended case durations.
The reform aims to centralize courts to save costs, with projected savings of €63 million by 2040, and plans to strengthen the judicial workforce with 25 new positions.
Plans include merging multiple courts into a single center, with video hearings proposed as a modern solution to mitigate travel issues.
A coalition of unions and social groups is set to protest the reform, calling for a more open dialogue and reconsideration of the cabinet's decision.