Overburdened criminal justice: The long queue of the courts

Germany's criminal justice system is facing significant strain, with around one million criminal cases currently pending. This backlog is so severe that it is leading to the release of suspects from pre-trial detention when legal time limits are exceeded, highlighting a critical bottleneck in the judicial process.

Multiple factors contribute to this overload. These include persistent staff shortages within prosecutor's offices and courts, the use of outdated technology, the increasing complexity of investigations, and the continuous introduction of new criminal offenses. These combined pressures are hindering the timely resolution of cases.

In response, the federal government plans to address the issue by increasing personnel and advancing the digitalization of court systems. Experts are also discussing measures to expedite proceedings, such as expanding the use of video conferencing and amending criminal procedure laws. The article delves into the reasons behind the judicial delays and their consequences, featuring insights from Eva Lautsch, an editor in ZEIT's politics department.

Separately, the article touches upon the U.S. political landscape, noting President Donald Trump's low approval ratings and the internal debates within the Democratic Party. The rise of the progressive wing, exemplified by Abdul El-Sayed's victory in a Michigan primary, is discussed in relation to the traditional party establishment, with insights from ZEIT's U.S. correspondent Paul Middelhoff.