Famous German Judges

Roman Herzog was a prominent German politician, judge, and legal scholar known for his significant contributions to the country. He served as the President of Germany from 1994 to 1999, becoming the first to hold the position following German reunification. Prior to his presidency, Herzog was a respected judge at the Federal Constitutional Court, where he eventually became President. His expertise in law was further demonstrated through his role as a law professor. Herzog's achievements were recognized with the prestigious 1997 Charlemagne Prize.

Ferdinand Lassalle was a prominent Prussian-German jurist, philosopher, socialist, and politician known for his role in initiating the social-democratic movement in Germany. He was the first to successfully organize a party of socialist action in Germany and Europe. Lassalle's impactful work as an agitator included coining terms such as the night-watchman state and iron law of wages. His efforts in flaming agitation and historical wrestling left a lasting legacy that would take many decades to fully realize, as noted by Rosa Luxemburg.

Fabian von Schlabrendorff was a German jurist, soldier, and member of the German resistance against Adolf Hitler. He served as a judge on the German Federal Constitutional Court from 1967 to 1975. In addition to his judicial role, he played a significant part in resisting the Nazi regime during World War II. Von Schlabrendorff's commitment to justice and his active involvement in the resistance movement exemplify his dedication to upholding democratic values and opposing tyranny.

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is a German businessman and former politician of the Christian Social Union (CSU). He served in various political roles, including as a member of the Bundestag, Secretary-General of the CSU, Federal Minister for Economics and Technology, and Federal Minister of Defence. His career took a turn when a plagiarism scandal led to the revocation of his doctoral degree in 2011. Since then, he has been involved in the Center for Strategic and International Studies and founded Spitzberg Partners, an advisory and investment firm. Guttenberg made a political comeback in 2017.

Elke Büdenbender is a German jurist known for her distinguished professional career. She has built a reputation for her expertise in the field of law, demonstrating a strong commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law. Büdenbender has held various positions within the legal sector, showcasing her exceptional skills and knowledge in the field. Her contributions to the legal community have been widely recognized, solidifying her standing as a respected figure in German jurisprudence.

Friedrich Carl von Savigny was a prominent German jurist and historian known for his significant contributions to legal theory. He played a crucial role in the development of the historical school of jurisprudence, emphasizing the importance of historical context in understanding and interpreting laws. Savigny's work influenced legal thought and practice, shaping the field of comparative law and inspiring generations of scholars. His dedication to exploring the historical roots of legal systems has left a lasting impact on the study of law worldwide.

Samuel Freiherr von Pufendorf was a prominent German jurist, political philosopher, economist, and historian. He made significant contributions through commentaries and revisions to the natural law theories of Thomas Hobbes and Hugo Grotius. His political concepts influenced the cultural background of the American Revolution and positioned him as a key precursor of Enlightenment in Germany. Throughout his career, Pufendorf engaged in debates with clerical circles, defending himself against accusations of heresy while maintaining traditional Christian views on matters of dogma and doctrine.

Roland Freisler was a German jurist, judge, and politician known for his prominent role in the Nazification of Germany's legal system during the Nazi era. He served as the State Secretary of the Reich Ministry of Justice and later as President of the People's Court, where he oversaw the prosecution of political crimes with a reputation for aggressive behavior and frequent use of the death penalty. His influence extended to the definition of murder in German law, which remains in effect to this day.

Georg Konrad Morgen was an SS judge and lawyer who investigated crimes in Nazi concentration camps, rising to the rank of SS-Sturmbannführer. He was known as a Blutrichter, authorized to issue the death penalty, earning the nickname 'The Bloodhound Judge' for his determination in achieving justice. Post-war, he testified at anti-Nazi trials and pursued his legal career in Frankfurt. Morgen's professional life was marked by his pivotal role in uncovering atrocities and upholding justice in a dark period of history.

Wilhelm Marx was a prominent German judge, politician, and member of the Catholic Centre Party. He served as Chancellor of Germany twice during the Weimar Republic and briefly as the minister president of Prussia. With a total of 3 years and 73 days in office, he was the longest-serving chancellor during that period. Marx played a key role in guiding Germany through economic crises, negotiating war reparations, and securing its entry into the League of Nations. His tenure also saw the passage of progressive legislation benefiting state employees and the unemployed.

Hans Heinrich Lammers was a German jurist and prominent Nazi Party politician who served as Chief of the Reich Chancellery under Adolf Hitler from 1933 to 1945. In 1937, he was also appointed as Reichsminister in the cabinet. Lammers was later found guilty of crimes against peace, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and membership in a criminal organization during the 1948–1949 Ministries Trial. He was initially sentenced to 20 years in prison, which was later reduced to 10 years, and he was eventually released early.

John Peter Altgeld was a prominent American politician who served as the 20th Governor of Illinois from 1893 to 1897. A key figure in the Progressive movement, Altgeld advocated for workplace safety and child labor laws, and famously pardoned three men involved in the Haymarket Affair. He also stood against breaking up the Pullman strike by force in 1894. Altgeld was a leader of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and was known for his opposition to conservative Bourbon Democrats.

Manfred Gerlach was a German jurist and politician known for his leadership in the East German Liberal Democratic Party. He served as Chairman of the Council of State, making him the head of state of East Germany for a brief period. Gerlach's professional life was marked by his dedication to political leadership and his role in shaping the political landscape during a crucial time in East German history.

Daniel Paul Schreber was a German judge known for his personal account of experiencing schizophrenia. He had three distinct periods of acute mental illness, with the first being diagnosed as dementia praecox. His second mental illness occurred from 1893 to 1902, which he documented in his book "Memoirs of My Nervous Illness." This book became influential in psychiatry and psychoanalysis, particularly through Sigmund Freud's interpretation. Details of his third disorder, from 1907 to 1911, are found in the Hospital Chart. Schreber received treatment from various professionals during his second illness.

Gerhard Klopfer was a lawyer and prominent figure in the Nazi Party, serving as the State Secretary in the Party Chancellery under Martin Bormann. As an SS-Gruppenführer, he played a key role in the Wannsee Conference, where plans for the Final Solution were devised. Despite his involvement in the implementation of the Holocaust, Klopfer later denied any knowledge of the atrocities committed. He managed to evade prosecution for his actions during this dark period in history.

Georg Jellinek was a prominent German public lawyer known for his expertise in public law in Austria. He made significant contributions to the field through his research and writings. Jellinek's work was highly regarded, and he was recognized as a leading authority in the legal community. He played a key role in shaping legal theory and practice during his career, influencing many scholars and practitioners. Jellinek's legacy continues to impact the study and understanding of public law to this day.

Rudolf von Jhering was a German jurist known for his influential work "Der Kampf ums Recht" (The Struggle for Law). He is recognized as the founder of a modern sociological and historical school of law. Jhering's ideas played a significant role in shaping the "jurisprudence of interests" in Germany. As a legal scholar, he made lasting contributions to the field, and his innovative perspectives continue to impact the development of legal theory and practice.

Christian Thomasius was a prominent German jurist and philosopher known for his significant contributions to legal theory and philosophy. He played a key role in advocating for legal reform and promoting enlightenment ideas in Germany. Thomasius was a pioneer in the field of legal education, emphasizing the importance of reason and ethics in law. He founded the first German academic journal dedicated to legal matters and was a respected professor at the University of Halle, where he mentored a new generation of scholars.

Justus Möser was a prominent German jurist and social theorist known for his influential work in the field of history, particularly focusing on Osnabrück. He was recognized for his innovative approach to historical studies, emphasizing social and cultural aspects in his writings. Möser's contributions to legal theory and social commentary earned him a reputation as a leading figure in 18th-century German intellectual circles. His works continue to be studied and admired for their insightful perspectives on society and culture.

Wilhelm Heinrich Wackenroder was a German jurist and writer who played a significant role in co-founding German Romanticism alongside Ludwig Tieck and the Schlegel brothers. He is known for his contributions to the Romantic movement through his writings and critical essays. Wackenroder's work focused on the importance of emotion, imagination, and individual creativity in art and literature. His ideas helped shape the Romantic era's emphasis on expressing inner feelings and exploring the depths of the human experience through artistic expression.

Georg Friedrich Puchta was a prominent German legal scholar known for his contributions to the field of jurisprudence. He served as a professor of law at multiple universities, including the University of Berlin and the University of Leipzig. Puchta's work focused on the development of legal theory, particularly in the areas of property law and civil law. He was highly regarded for his innovative ideas and deep understanding of legal principles, influencing generations of legal scholars and practitioners with his writings and teachings.

Eduard Gans was a German jurist known for his contributions to the historical school of jurisprudence. He studied law and philosophy, including under G. W. F. Hegel, and later became a lecturer and professor at Berlin University. Gans applied historical methods to legal principles, focusing on the right of succession. His work on legal theory, particularly on the slow evolution of legal principles, remains influential. Gans also engaged in political and literary circles, although his liberal views sometimes brought him into conflict with the authorities.

Werner Maihofer was a prominent German jurist and legal philosopher known for his significant contributions to the field of law. He served as Germany's Federal Minister of the Interior from 1974 to 1978. Maihofer's tenure was marked by his involvement in various legal and policy decisions shaping the country's governance. However, his career faced a setback when he resigned amid a scandal related to the illegal wiretapping of Klaus Traube, which led to his departure from office.

Georg Friedrich von Martens was a distinguished German diplomat and jurist known for his significant contributions to legal theory. He began his professional journey as a professor at the esteemed institution of Göttingen, where he imparted knowledge in legal matters. Throughout his career, he received notable appointments from royalty, serving as a counsellor of state for the King of Westphalia in 1808 and later as a privy cabinet-councillor for the King of Hanover in 1814. Von Martens' expertise and dedication to his work solidified his reputation as a respected figure in diplomatic and legal circles.

Ernst Ludwig von Gerlach was a prominent Prussian politician, editor, and judge known for his significant contributions to the Conservative Party in Prussia. He played a leading role in the formation of the Neue Preußische Zeitung, also known as the Kreuzzeitung, and was a key figure within the political circle associated with the publication. For many years, he served as the leader of the Conservative Party in the Prussian House of Representatives, shaping the party's ideology and policies with his strong influence and leadership.