Access to the Federal Court of Justice in Germany

Abstract

The text explains the role of the Supreme Court in the civil justice system in Germany with reference to a major reform of civil procedure that was enacted in 2001. The reform of access to the Federal Court of Justice aimed at striking a balance between individual justice and public interest. The author discusses the requirements of admissibility of ordinary appeal and appeal on points of law, which may be filed to the Federal Court of Justice. The German legislator has notably renounced the ratione valoris criterion (monetary threshold) and adopted the requirement of the leave to appeal. The power to restrict access to the Supreme Court was conferred on appellate courts. As a consequence, an appeal on points of law may be lodged only if it is admitted by judex a quo. Although the denial of admission is subject to appeal, the text argues that the reasons for admittance ensure that the public interest in uniform adjudication and clarification of law will be duly served.