Overview

• The CDU and Greens draft bill would let judges in North Rhine-Westphalia voluntarily continue serving beyond age 67 up to 69.
• The measure creates an option rather than an obligation and mirrors regulations already in place in seven other German states.
• Lawmakers cite a shortage of jurists driven by rising retirements and fewer law graduates as a key reason for retaining experienced judges.
• Judges’ association data show nearly 933,000 pending cases at public prosecutor’s offices in Germany, underscoring the urgency of staffing relief.
• The draft legislation is set for its first debate in the NRW parliament plenary session this Thursday, where members could vote on its adoption.