The court date

The court hearing in civil matters for legal laymen often a surprisingly "dry" issue. Sometimes the court orders the personal appearance of the parties, either because further fact-finding necessary, or through a settlement (a settlement agreement) is to be spoken. But usually it is sufficient if the lawyers are present. While in court, the principle is the orality of the trial.

The lawyers, however, refer to their preliminary submissions to the tribunal and the other is of course well known, and where the facts and the law was discussed in detail. And so a court date is often like this: Once the presence of the parties / attorneys noted, "the first lawyer," I put the request in accordance with my letter of ....", the other side responded: "I Klagabweisung request in accordance with my statement of ... " and the judge announced: "Good. date for promulgation of a decision am ..". The decision is then read out in a separate announcement of the date on which no one usually absent. The lawyers know the result by telephone. In criminal cases, which can run differently. This requires the accused be present and be heard (if he wishes to defend its case, because he is not this). After that any witnesses will be heard, and finally hold their pleas prosecutors and defenders.

The somewhat similar to the trial in the above-mentioned American films, but is usually from far less dramatic - especially since there are no juries, jury, which must be impressed. A criminal courts are in addition to the professional judges with lay judges, jurors called, occupied. These are but a longer period off as a lay judge and therefore familiar with the procedures.