18.02.2025
The 2025 Annual Outlook
Programs, Workshops, and Events Offered by the Forum Recht Foundation
In 2025, the Forum Recht Foundation will offer a wide range of participatory activities, an exhibition, workshops, and professional development programs; it will develop new formats for these initiatives, strengthen existing partnerships, and revisit and expand programs that have already been successfully launched. The program is grounded in the rule of law: Through its activities at its two locations in Karlsruhe and Leipzig, as well as at various sites throughout Germany and online, the foundation brings the law to life in diverse ways and provides information and fosters discussion about the rule of law.
All events organized by the Forum Recht Foundation are free of charge. For a current overview of all offerings, please visit the Calendar. Additional events are being added on an ongoing basis; numerous collaborations with political education and judicial institutions, as well as with festivals, are also planned.
Power in the Interplay of Law and the Rule of Law
For example, the new interactive discussion series „“Let's Talk About Law" Starting in February, these topics will be discussed with the public on a rotating monthly basis at both of the foundation’s locations: Experts from various fields of law will provide insights into their work and discuss current legal issues as well as legal topics relevant to people’s everyday lives. Another focus this year is a series starting on June 28, 2025, in Karlsruhe and then taking place at various locations throughout Germany: Pop-up exhibition, where people can share their stories and experiences with the law and are invited to discuss them. In the fall of 2025, the foundation will offer two in-depth professional development programs: a symposium on the topic of teaching about the law and the rule of law in Leipzig, and a 7-day study tour for multipliers titled „The Rule of Law in Germany.“.
The one published by the Forum Recht Foundation The annual theme chosen for 2025: „Power!“ provides a unifying theme and serves as a conceptual framework for the various offerings. This makes it possible to examine law and the rule of law from different perspectives and to explore their substance in depth. The term „Power!“ is discussed in all its ambiguities as they relate to law and the rule of law: On the one hand, a key focus of the annual program is on aspects such as the separation of powers and the prevention of arbitrariness. But the program also addresses issues of powerlessness within the rule of law and potential barriers to accessing justice. Furthermore, the Forum Recht Foundation highlights opportunities for „taking action“ and illustrates how people can assert their rights or actively help shape the rule of law itself.
Program Highlights 2025
„Let’s Talk About Law”
The Interactive Discussion Series
A new monthly discussion series featuring guests and an audience at both locations Starting February 12, 2025, in Karlsruhe, and February 19, 2025, in Leipzig; both events begin at 7:00 p.m.
The Forum Recht Foundation is launching a new interactive discussion series called „Let’s Talk About Recht.“ Leading figures from various fields of law will provide insights into their work and current legal issues and engage in discussion with the audience. „Let’s Talk About Recht“ invites everyone to discuss, using real-life examples, where and how the law plays a role in everyday life. The discussion series is moderated by Maria-Elisabeth Miersch, a research associate at the foundation, and takes place once a month, alternating between Karlsruhe and Leipzig. Each episode focuses on a different current topic in the field of law. Some of the discussions are recorded and subsequently made available as Podcast published.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Karlstraße 45 A, 76133 Karlsruhe
Additional dates in Karlsruhe: March 12, May 14, September 10, and November 12
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Universitätsstraße 20, 04109 Leipzig
Additional dates in Leipzig: April 9, June 11, October 8, and December 10
Collaboration with the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe as part of the theater production „The Wave“
Post-performance discussions: following the performances on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, and Sunday, March 9, 2025 Workshop for school groups: individual dates, bookable in combination with a school performance
Morton Rhue’s international bestseller *The Wave* is taking on new relevance in the current political climate. At the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, the stage adaptation of the novel will premiere on February 14 in a production for young audiences ages 12 and up. Following select performances, the Junge Staatstheater will host audience discussions. On Wednesday, February 26, and Sunday, March 9, discussions will be held—with the Foundation’s participation—on the importance of the rule of law and education about the rule of law. In addition, the educational outreach teams from the Foundation and the Young State Theater are developing a workshop for school classes.
The post-performance discussions are included with a ticket to the same day’s performance and take place immediately following each show. The workshop will soon be available for booking directly through the Staatstheater.
Location: Junges Staatstheater in der Insel, Karlstraße 49b, 76133 Karlsruhe
Further information can be found on the The State Theater's website.
Collaboration with the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe as part of the theater production „The Wave“
Post-performance discussions: following the performances on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, and Sunday, March 9, 2025 Workshop for school groups: individual dates, bookable in combination with a school performance
Morton Rhue’s international bestseller *The Wave* is taking on new relevance in the current political climate. At the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, the stage adaptation of the novel will premiere on February 14 in a production for young audiences ages 12 and up. Following select performances, the Junge Staatstheater will host audience discussions. On Wednesday, February 26, and Sunday, March 9, discussions will be held—with the Foundation’s participation—on the importance of the rule of law and education about the rule of law. In addition, the educational outreach teams from the Foundation and the Young State Theater are developing a workshop for school classes.
The post-performance discussions are included with a ticket to the same day’s performance and take place immediately following each show. The workshop will soon be available for booking directly through the Staatstheater.
Location: Junges Staatstheater in der Insel, Karlstraße 49b, 76133 Karlsruhe
Further information can be found on the The State Theater's website.
Theme Day: Human Rights Protection in Europe
Workshop for Multipliers with a Visit to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg Friday, March 28, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Forum Recht Foundation’s Theme Days are one-day training sessions specifically designed for opinion leaders from various fields (e.g., education, civic education, journalism, or social organizations). The events combine a visit to a relevant site related to law and the rule of law with practical discussions, expert presentations, and exchanges in a workshop format. The goal is to provide participants with practical insights and in-depth knowledge so that they can competently educate others about the topics covered in their respective fields and dispel common misconceptions among their target audiences.
Following the successful launch of the program with visits to two correctional facilities in 2024, a themed day on „Human Rights Protection in Europe“ will be offered in 2025, featuring visits to the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Registration is open until Wednesday, March 12, 2025; the registration form and detailed You can find information about the process here.
Places: European Court of Human Rights and Council of Europe, Strasbourg (France)
Panel Discussion: „Law. Power. Politics.“
Featuring Julia Borggräfe, Nina Poppel, Ilija Trojanow, and Jürgen Wertheimer, Saturday, March 29, 2025, 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Leipzig Book Fair’s accompanying program, „Leipzig Reads!,“ is making a guest appearance at the Forum Recht Foundation! The panel discussion brings together authors Julia Borggräfe, Nina Poppel, Ilija Trojanow, and Jürgen Wertheimer, who explore law, power, and politics from different perspectives in their latest books: Legal scholar Julia Borggräfe demonstrates how a well-functioning administration could strengthen trust in the state and democracy, and proposes concrete solutions. Writer Ilija Trojanow, who in his *Book of Power* retells the seminal work of the „Bulgarian Machiavelli,“ Stojan Michailowski, reflects on the nature of power and its dangers. Political scientist and political content creator on TikTok and Instagram, Nina Poppel, aims to explain how democracy works, what impact the Basic Law has on everyday life, and how political processes shape our rights. And literary scholar Jürgen Wertheimer examines the grim history of foreseeable disasters and the power of „willful ignorance“ despite knowing better.
An event presented by „Leipzig liest,“ the reading festival of the Leipzig Book Fair.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Universitätsstraße 20, 04109 Leipzig
Panel Discussion: „Law. Power. Politics.“
Featuring Julia Borggräfe, Nina Poppel, Ilija Trojanow, and Jürgen Wertheimer, Saturday, March 29, 2025, 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Leipzig Book Fair’s accompanying program, „Leipzig Reads!,“ is making a guest appearance at the Forum Recht Foundation! The panel discussion brings together authors Julia Borggräfe, Nina Poppel, Ilija Trojanow, and Jürgen Wertheimer, who explore law, power, and politics from different perspectives in their latest books: Legal scholar Julia Borggräfe demonstrates how a well-functioning administration could strengthen trust in the state and democracy, and proposes concrete solutions. Writer Ilija Trojanow, who in his *Book of Power* retells the seminal work of the „Bulgarian Machiavelli,“ Stojan Michailowski, reflects on the nature of power and its dangers. Political scientist and political content creator on TikTok and Instagram, Nina Poppel, aims to explain how democracy works, what impact the Basic Law has on everyday life, and how political processes shape our rights. And literary scholar Jürgen Wertheimer examines the grim history of foreseeable disasters and the power of „willful ignorance“ despite knowing better.
An event presented by „Leipzig liest,“ the reading festival of the Leipzig Book Fair.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Universitätsstraße 20, 04109 Leipzig
„Recht stadtlich!“ City Walking Tour in Karlsruhe
Starts Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., then every second Thursday of the month through October 9, 2025, with special sessions on May 8 and 9 featuring a special „Europe Edition“
Following the winter break, the Forum Recht Foundation is resuming its city walking tour series in Karlsruhe—which was successfully launched in 2024—and invites you to join a monthly tour exploring the world of law. What exactly does the Federal Court of Justice do? How many bicycle thefts are solved in Germany? And what does the law have to do with our everyday lives? During this 2-hour, accessible walking tour, we’ll encounter Karlsruhe’s curiosities, judicial scandals both big and small, and learn how the law and the courts influence our lives every day.
Dates for 2025: April 10, May 8, May 9, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 11, and October 9
Individual appointments: Groups of eight or more can also request custom dates at rundgang-karlsruhe@stiftung-forum-recht.de.
Location: The tour begins at the Tourist Information Office on Marktplatz, Kaiserstrasse 72-74, 76133 Karlsruhe
„Recht stadtlich!“ City Walking Tour in Leipzig
Starts on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and continues on the third Thursday of every month through October 16, 2025
Following the successful launch of the city walking tours in Karlsruhe, tours focusing on law and the rule of law will also be offered in Leipzig in 2025. The tour is currently in the planning stages and will provide a fresh and informative perspective on the city of Leipzig and its legal landmarks.
Dates for 2025: May 22, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, and October 16
Individual appointments: Groups of eight or more can also request custom dates at rundgang-leipzig@stiftung-forum-recht.de.
Location: The city walking tour begins at the seating cube in front of the Federal Administrative Court, near Fritz-von-Harck-Anlage, Simsonplatz 1, 04107 Leipzig
„Recht stadtlich!“ City Walking Tour in Leipzig
Starts on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and continues on the third Thursday of every month through October 16, 2025
Following the successful launch of the city walking tours in Karlsruhe, tours focusing on law and the rule of law will also be offered in Leipzig in 2025. The tour is currently in the planning stages and will provide a fresh and informative perspective on the city of Leipzig and its legal landmarks.
Dates for 2025: May 22, June 19, July 17, September 18, and October 16
Individual appointments: Groups of eight or more can also request custom dates at rundgang-leipzig@stiftung-forum-recht.de.
Theme Day: Correctional System
Workshop for outreach workers at a correctional facility in the Leipzig area, Scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025
Designed as one-day, free professional development events, the Forum Recht Foundation’s theme days provide access to complex topics that are often presented in a simplified manner.
Here, those interested in the fields of education, social work, or journalism can explore the topics of the correctional system, punishment, and the criminal justice system. This is because, at regular intervals—often following shocking crimes—the German public debates whether court sentences are harsh enough and how offenders should be dealt with. The focus is often on „locking people away,“ while discussions about the purpose of punishment and rehabilitation measures take a back seat. However, very few people have ever seen the inside of a correctional facility. To change this, the Forum Recht Foundation is offering influencers the opportunity, through this themed event, to tour a prison in the Leipzig area and engage with the topic of the correctional system through expert presentations.
More information will be provided well in advance of the event.
Registration is expected to begin in April at www.stiftung-forum-recht.de/vermittlung/fortbildungen/ possible.
Location: in the Leipzig region
Pop-up exhibition
Starting June 28, 2025, in Karlsruhe; starting in September in Leipzig; and then at various other locations throughout Germany
Where do we encounter the law and the rule of law in our daily lives? How do they shape our lives? And who has what kind of experiences with the law? Through an interactive pop-up exhibition, the Forum Recht Foundation offers food for thought on these questions and invites visitors to participate. Visitors can record their own videos at the exhibition and share their personal experiences. As the exhibition runs, these contributions help it evolve, bringing a wide variety of experiences to light and making them the focus of discussion.
The exhibition is designed as a mobile pop-up project. It opens on June 28 in Karlsruhe and will be on view in Leipzig starting in September. After that, the exhibition will go on tour to various cities.
Places: In Leipzig, Karlsruhe, and other cities in Germany. Opening in Karlsruhe: June 28, 2025; opening in Leipzig: in September 2025 / additional locations will be announced shortly.
Pop-up exhibition
Starting June 28, 2025, in Karlsruhe; starting in September in Leipzig; and then at various other locations throughout Germany
Where do we encounter the law and the rule of law in our daily lives? How do they shape our lives? And who has what kind of experiences with the law? Through an interactive pop-up exhibition, the Forum Recht Foundation offers food for thought on these questions and invites visitors to participate. Visitors can record their own videos at the exhibition and share their personal experiences. As the exhibition runs, these contributions help it evolve, bringing a wide variety of experiences to light and making them the focus of discussion.
The exhibition is designed as a mobile pop-up project. It opens on June 28 in Karlsruhe and will be on view in Leipzig starting in September. After that, the exhibition will go on tour to various cities.
Places: In Leipzig, Karlsruhe, and other cities in Germany. Opening in Karlsruhe: June 28, 2025; opening in Leipzig: in September 2025 / additional locations will be announced shortly.
Welcome! Open House at the Forum Recht Foundation in Karlsruhe
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, June 28, the Forum Recht Foundation will open its doors with a diverse program and invite anyone interested to learn more about the foundation’s offerings, discuss its topics, and get to know the team. To mark the open house, the foundation’s mobile pop-up exhibition will open in Karlsruhe, offering insights into different experiences with the law, interwoven with personal stories.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Karlstraße 45 A, 76133 Karlsruhe
The Forum Recht Foundation is participating in the Karlsruhe Museum Night (KAMUNA)
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to midnight
The Forum Recht Foundation will also be opening its doors for KAMUNA 2025: On Saturday, August 2, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, guests can look forward to a varied program featuring a range of hands-on activities. In addition, the foundation’s pop-up exhibition project will be on display, inviting visitors to share their experiences with the law.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Karlstraße 45 A, 76133 Karlsruhe
The Forum Recht Foundation is participating in the Karlsruhe Museum Night (KAMUNA)
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 6:00 p.m. to midnight
The Forum Recht Foundation will also be opening its doors for KAMUNA 2025: On Saturday, August 2, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, guests can look forward to a varied program featuring a range of hands-on activities. In addition, the foundation’s pop-up exhibition project will be on display, inviting visitors to share their experiences with the law.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Karlstraße 45 A, 76133 Karlsruhe
Symposium on the Topic of Teaching Law and the Rule of Law
Two-day program featuring presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities Late September 2025
As part of a two-day symposium this fall, the Forum Recht Foundation is inviting legal professionals from across the judicial system, as well as professional facilitators from the fields of political education, schools, social work, and research, to Leipzig.
This interdisciplinary event focuses on content and methods, as well as the significance, challenges, and goals of effective education on law and the rule of law. In addition to keynote presentations by renowned guests, the event will feature workshops and best-practice examples from various stakeholders across Germany, as well as a BarCamp organized as a structured forum for exchange among all participants.
Location and Information: Friday, September 26, 2025, and Saturday, September 27, 2025, in Leipzig
Registration: Registration will be available starting this summer at www.stiftung-forum-recht.de/vermittlung/fortbildungen/ possible.
Study Tour: „The Rule of Law in Germany“
One-week training course in October 2025 with several stops
In October 2025, the Forum Recht Foundation will organize its first study tour. The week-long program on the topic of „The Rule of Law in Germany“ is aimed at teachers, media professionals, and other influencers who are active in the fields of law and the rule of law. The program, which follows the route Karlsruhe–Nuremberg–Leipzig–Berlin, features expert lectures, discussion sessions, and opportunities to visit local institutions. The study tour is designed to enable participants to initiate and facilitate informed discussions on current issues related to law and the rule of law within their respective spheres of influence, such as in teaching or media reporting. The focus is on contemporary practices related to the rule of law, taking historical contexts (Nazi Germany, the GDR) into account.
Places: Karlsruhe, Nuremberg, Leipzig, Berlin, and other cities.
Time period: October 19–25, 2025
Registration: Registration will be available shortly at www.stiftung-forum-recht.de/vermittlung/fortbildungen/ possible.
Study Tour: „The Rule of Law in Germany“
One-week training course in October 2025 with several stops
In October 2025, the Forum Recht Foundation will organize its first study tour. The week-long program on the topic of „The Rule of Law in Germany“ is aimed at teachers, media professionals, and other influencers who are active in the fields of law and the rule of law. The program, which follows the route Karlsruhe–Nuremberg–Leipzig–Berlin, features expert lectures, discussion sessions, and opportunities to visit local institutions. The study tour is designed to enable participants to initiate and facilitate informed discussions on current issues related to law and the rule of law within their respective spheres of influence, such as in teaching or media reporting. The focus is on contemporary practices related to the rule of law, taking historical contexts (Nazi Germany, the GDR) into account.
Places: Karlsruhe, Nuremberg, Leipzig, Berlin, and other cities.
The specific dates and the exact itinerary will be announced shortly.
Registration: Registration will be available shortly at www.stiftung-forum-recht.de/vermittlung/fortbildungen/ possible.
Let's meet up!
Throughout 2025, the Forum Recht Foundation will be hosting information booths at events organized by various institutions across Germany, answering questions about its program, discussing the law and the rule of law with visitors, and providing insights into its work. We look forward to talking with you!
The Forum Recht Foundation at the Open House at the Nuremberg Higher Regional Court on Saturday, April 5, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Nuremberg Higher Regional Court is hosting an open house on Saturday, April 5. Interested visitors can tour the premises, talk with judges and court staff, and learn more about their roles. The Forum Recht Foundation will also be on site with an information booth to present its programs and provide information on how people can get involved in the foundation’s activities.
Location: Nuremberg Higher Regional Court, Fürther Straße 114, 90429 Nuremberg
The Forum Recht Foundation at the EFFEKTE Science Festival in Karlsruhe on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
During the opening weekend of the EFFEKTE Science Festival on May 17 and 18, a temporary “science city” will be set up in Karlsruhe’s Schlossgarten, where research institutions will showcase their work. The foundation will have an information booth on site and invite visitors to participate in fun, interactive activities.
Location: Karlsruhe Palace Gardens
The Forum Recht Foundation will participate in the Leipzig Faculty of Law’s summer festival on Thursday, June 12, 2025
The Leipzig School of Law will host its annual summer festival on Thursday, June 12, starting at 4:00 p.m. The Forum Recht Foundation will be there with an information booth to present its programs and provide information on how people can get involved in the foundation’s activities.
Location: Burgplatz, Leipzig
The Forum Recht Foundation will be participating in the information fair at „Das Fest“ on Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27, 2025
At the end of July, hundreds of thousands of people will once again gather in Karlsruhe for the music festival „Das Fest.“ In addition to concerts, the multi-day open-air event offers a diverse supporting program, including an information fair. The Forum Recht Foundation will have a booth there to present its services and provide information on how people can get involved in the foundation’s activities.
Location: Karlsruhe
As of June 10, 2025; subject to change!