27.02.2026
The 2026 Annual Outlook
Programs, Workshops, and Events Offered by the Forum Recht Foundation
In 2026, the Forum Recht Foundation will once again offer a wide range of exciting opportunities to explore, participate, and engage in discussions and debates, all centered on the topics of law and the rule of law. For example, the Pop-up Exhibition: „Law – The Rules of Everyday Life“ across the Federal Republic of Germany. The first Federal Forum on Education about the Law and the Rule of Law in Leipzig invites visitors to explore the topic. In Karlsruhe and Leipzig, the popular monthly City tours offered. A wide variety of interactive discussion formats, workshops, as well as in-person and online training sessions, and a Study Tour on International Law for Influencers provide opportunities for further exchange and discussion on the topics of law and the rule of law.
Through its activities, the foundation makes the law tangible in a variety of ways at its two locations in Karlsruhe and Leipzig, as well as through mobile initiatives throughout Germany and online, and provides information and fosters discussion about the law and the rule of law. Active since 2025, the digital engagement platform The foundation offers the opportunity to participate in current topics and discussions.
The services offered by the Forum Recht Foundation are free of charge. For a current overview, see the Calendar at www.stiftung-forum-recht.de, which is continuously updated and expanded.
Program Highlights 2026
Pop-up Exhibition: „Law – The Rules of Everyday Life“
Various 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? With the interactive pop-up exhibition „Law—The Rules of Everyday Life,“ 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 contributions come in, the traveling exhibition grows over the course of its run, bringing to light a wide variety of experiences with the law in everyday life. The exhibition can be seen at train stations, in schools, or in public spaces; in 2026, it will be on display and open to the public during the MotoGP at the Sachsenring in July 2026, among other locations.
At the individual stations, the following will take place at irregular intervals and on selected dates: „Rightly So: Let's Ask!“ Discussion Series“ offered. As part of this, the foundation invites participants to an open discussion with legal professionals. Questions can be selected from a box of cards developed by the foundation to serve as discussion prompts, ranging from everyday issues to topics in legal history.
In 2026, due to high demand, the pop-up exhibition will also be supplemented by an additional indoor version: The exhibition, which can be flexibly set up indoors, will tour nationwide starting in the spring of 2026—visiting locations such as courts, museums, schools, and sports clubs. Interested institutions can request it free of charge from the Forum Recht Foundation. Stops include, among others, the BVB Learning Center in Dortmund (April 19–27) as well as the Berlin Academy of Justice (September 2026).
Here's where you can see the 2026 pop-up exhibition:
Main Station Bochum (January 8 through February 4), Central Station Food (February 7 through March 6), Central Station Düsseldorf (March 7 through April 6), as part of the German Judges and Prosecutors' Conference in Weimar (April 10 through May 3), as part of the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Federal Constitutional Court in the palace district in Karlsruhe (May 6–25), Freiburg (May 27 through June 25), as part of the MotoGP at the Sachsenring Oberlungwitz (July 9–12), at the Game Museum Chemnitz (July 14 through August 16), Central Station Erfurt (August 18 through September 16), Central Station Wuppertal (September 19 through October 18) and at other locations through the end of the year.
"Law in Dialogue" Forum: Insights with Cord Brügmann
After-Work Event in Leipzig and Karlsruhe Starting January 21 in Leipzig and April 29, 2026, in Karlsruhe; both events begin at 5:30 p.m.
Several times a year, the Forum Recht Foundation hosts evening events at its locations in Karlsruhe and Leipzig, offering opportunities for discussion and networking in an after-work setting. The events feature fascinating guests from the fields of law, culture, and education. In a keynote session—in the form of a brief discussion—they join the foundation’s director, Dr. Cord Brügmann, to explore a topic related to the work of the Forum Recht Foundation: ranging from current issues in law and the rule of law to future trends and developments within the Forum Recht Foundation itself.
Afterward, the focus will be on networking: Exchange ideas with one another and with team members from the Forum Recht Foundation—about topics that concern us all, and about new, perhaps shared, ideas for the future! We would especially like to thank the FORUM RECHT Support Association We'll be providing drinks and a small buffet.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Karlstraße 45 A, 76133 Karlsruhe
Dates in Karlsruhe: Every Wednesday, April 29 and November 18
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Universitätsstraße 20, 04109 Leipzig
Dates in Leipzig: Every Wednesday, January 21 and September 23
"Law in Dialogue" Forum: Insights with Cord Brügmann
After-Work Event in Leipzig and Karlsruhe Starting January 21 in Leipzig and April 29, 2026, in Karlsruhe; both events begin at 5:30 p.m.
Several times a year, the Forum Recht Foundation hosts evening events at its locations in Karlsruhe and Leipzig, offering opportunities for discussion and networking in an after-work setting. The events feature fascinating guests from the fields of law, culture, and education. In a keynote session—in the form of a brief discussion—they join the foundation’s director, Dr. Cord Brügmann, to explore a topic related to the work of the Forum Recht Foundation: ranging from current issues in law and the rule of law to future trends and developments within the Forum Recht Foundation itself.
Afterward, the focus will be on networking: Exchange ideas with one another and with team members from the Forum Recht Foundation—about topics that concern us all, and about new, perhaps shared, ideas for the future! We would especially like to thank the FORUM RECHT Support Association We'll be providing drinks and a small buffet.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Karlstraße 45 A, 76133 Karlsruhe
Dates in Karlsruhe: Every Wednesday, April 29 and November 18
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Universitätsstraße 20, 04109 Leipzig
Dates in Leipzig: Every Wednesday, January 21 and September 23
Location: Junges Staatstheater in der Insel, Karlstraße 49b, 76133 Karlsruhe
Further information can be found on the The State Theater's website.
„5 Years Since the Climate Resolution: What’s the Situation Regarding Heat and the Law?“
Panel Discussion at the Badisches Staatstheater
Sunday, February 8, 2026, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Forum Recht Foundation, the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe, and the theater collective Futur II Konjunktiv (Johannes Wenzel and Matthias Naumann) invite you to a panel discussion titled „5 Years Since the Climate Ruling: What’s the Situation Regarding Heat and the Law?“ at the Badisches Staatstheater. Five years after the landmark climate ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court, participants in the proceedings will discuss the consequences for the climate, the law, and politics.
Through a discussion with the panelists, the event will look back and look ahead at the possibilities and limitations of climate protection law, explore the often-difficult relationship between the law and its implementation, and examine what the fight for the right to climate protection means for those who are fighting for it. Together with participants in the 2020–21 „climate lawsuit,“ we will take a look behind the scenes of the proceedings: What interests were at stake in the case? What exactly did the Federal Constitutional Court establish in its climate ruling, and what has happened since then? What does this mean for the role of courts in climate protection and for the law as an instrument of change?
We spoke with Foundation Director Dr. Cord Brügmann about these and other questions:
Dr. Remo Klinger, a specialist attorney in administrative law, advocates for climate protection, including as the attorney for the „climate plaintiffs“ of 2020–21
Marissa Reiserer, a mobility expert at Greenpeace, oversees, among other things, constitutional complaints and the people behind them
Dr. Joachim Wieland, a renowned legal scholar, served, among other roles, as legal counsel for the Federal Government in the 2020–21 proceedings
The event is being held to mark the revival of the play „The Heat and the Law.“.
Location: Badisches Staatstheater, Hermann-Levi-Platz 1, 76137 Karlsruhe
International Women's Day: Women's Rights Breakfast in Ettlingen
Monday, March 9, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, Caritas Ettlingen, in cooperation with the Forum Recht Foundation, is hosting a breakfast for women on the topic of women’s rights. In addition to a quiz on the historical development of women’s rights, there will be opportunities for discussion about women’s rights today and in the future.
Participation is free of charge.
Location: Caritas Ettlingen, Lorenz-Werthmann-Straße 2, 76275 Ettlingen
International Women's Day: Women's Rights Breakfast in Ettlingen
Monday, March 9, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, Caritas Ettlingen, in cooperation with the Forum Recht Foundation, is hosting a breakfast for women on the topic of women’s rights. In addition to a quiz on the historical development of women’s rights, there will be opportunities for discussion about women’s rights today and in the future.
Participation is free of charge.
Location: Caritas Ettlingen, Lorenz-Werthmann-Straße 2, 76275 Ettlingen
„Let’s Talk About Law” –
The Interactive Discussion Series
A monthly discussion series featuring guests and audience participation, alternating between the two locations Starting March 11 in Karlsruhe and April 15, 2026, in Leipzig; both events begin at 7:00 p.m.
Current legal topics that concern us all—from tenancy law to freedom of expression, from environmental law to recent legislative reforms: The interactive discussion series „Let’s Talk About Law“ at the Forum Recht Foundation fosters a lively dialogue between experts from various fields of law and the audience. This year, among other topics, we’ll be examining issues related to tax law and consumer protection law, the legal aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the legal framework for large-scale public infrastructure projects. The discussions will be recorded and made available afterward as Live-on-Tape Podcast Published on all major platforms.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Karlstraße 45 A, 76133 Karlsruhe
Dates in Karlsruhe: Every Wednesday: March 11, May 6, July 15, October 14, and December 9
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Universitätsstraße 20, 04109 Leipzig
Dates in Leipzig: Every Wednesday: April 15, June 17, September 9, and November 11
Drama film „Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush“ (Germany-France, 2022)
Film screening followed by a discussion
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 5:50 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Karlsruhe Higher Regional Court, in collaboration with the Forum Recht Foundation and the Karlsruhe Bar Association, invites you to an evening event on the rule of law, justice, and human rights.
Murat Kurnaz, a 19-year-old from Bremen, was arrested by U.S. authorities in Pakistan shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and taken to the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo. There, he was unlawfully detained and tortured for five years, even though it had been clear to both U.S. and German authorities since 2002 that Kurnaz was innocent.
The multi-award-winning feature film „Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush“ (2022) by director Andreas Dresen tells the story of Rabiye Kurnaz’s mother, who, together with attorney Bernhard Docke, fought for her son’s release and traveled with him all the way to the Supreme Court in Washington. With humor, warmth, and great strength, the film depicts the two’s struggle against the U.S. government and the German authorities—in defense of the rule of law, justice, and human rights.
Afterward, retired attorney Bernhard Docke will discuss the case and the making of the film with the audience.
Partners: An event organized by the Karlsruhe Higher Regional Court in cooperation with the Forum Recht Foundation and the Karlsruhe Bar Association
Location: Schauburg Karlsruhe, Marienstraße 16, 76137 Karlsruhe
Admission: Admission to the film and discussion is free.
Drama film „Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush“ (Germany-France, 2022)
Film screening followed by a discussion
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 5:50 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Karlsruhe Higher Regional Court, in collaboration with the Forum Recht Foundation and the Karlsruhe Bar Association, invites you to an evening event on the rule of law, justice, and human rights.
Murat Kurnaz, a 19-year-old from Bremen, was arrested by U.S. authorities in Pakistan shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and taken to the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo. There, he was unlawfully detained and tortured for five years, even though it had been clear to both U.S. and German authorities since 2002 that Kurnaz was innocent.
The multi-award-winning feature film „Rabiye Kurnaz vs. George W. Bush“ (2022) by director Andreas Dresen tells the story of Rabiye Kurnaz’s mother, who, together with attorney Bernhard Docke, fought for her son’s release and traveled with him all the way to the Supreme Court in Washington. With humor, warmth, and great strength, the film depicts the two’s struggle against the U.S. government and the German authorities—in defense of the rule of law, justice, and human rights.
Afterward, retired attorney Bernhard Docke will discuss the case and the making of the film with the audience.
Partners: An event organized by the Karlsruhe Higher Regional Court in cooperation with the Forum Recht Foundation and the Karlsruhe Bar Association
Location: Schauburg Karlsruhe, Marienstraße 16, 76137 Karlsruhe
Admission: Admission to the film and discussion is free.
„Leipzig Reads“ Book Festival at the Forum Recht Foundation
Discussion with Matthias Quent and Ronen Steinke
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
From March 19 to 22, 2026, the major event will take place concurrently with the Leipzig Book Fair „Leipzig Reads“ Book Festival“ takes place. With more than 2,000 events, visitors can experience literature and authors firsthand through readings, panel discussions, and hands-on activities.
The Forum Recht Foundation will also be a venue for the Reading Festival on Thursday, March 19: Sociology professor Matthias Quent and the lawyer and author Ronen Steinke They begin discussing crisis management and the defense of fundamental rights.
An event presented by „Leipzig liest,“ the reading festival organized by the Leipzig Book Fair and the Forum Recht Foundation.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Universitätsstraße 20, 04109 Leipzig
Admission: Admission is free.
Workshop: „Power Through Community! Power Through the Law?“
Regarding the play „The Wave“ at the Forum Recht Foundation from Thursday, March 19, through Thursday, March 26, 2026
Also for school groups: individual appointments, bookable year-round following a school performance
As part of the „Startklar“ Weeks, the Forum Recht Foundation, in collaboration with the Badisches Staatstheater, is hosting three workshops on the play „The Wave,“ based on the novel by Morton Rhue. “Startklar” is an initiative of the Badisches Staatstheater that specifically features plays relevant to school exams. The performances are accompanied by an exciting supporting program of workshops, discussions, and explanations.
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
and available for booking year-round through the State Theater
Registration for all workshops held in conjunction with a theater performance.
Participation fee: Participation in workshops is free of charge. For bookings made by schools, tickets to the performances are available starting at 8 euros.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Karlstraße 45 A, 76133 Karlsruhe
Workshop: „Power Through Community! Power Through the Law?“
Regarding the play „The Wave“ at the Forum Recht Foundation from Thursday, March 19, through Thursday, March 26, 2026
As part of the „Startklar“ Weeks, the Forum Recht Foundation, in collaboration with the Badisches Staatstheater, is hosting three workshops on the play „The Wave,“ based on the novel by Morton Rhue. “Startklar” is an initiative of the Badisches Staatstheater that specifically features plays relevant to school exams. The performances are accompanied by an exciting supporting program of workshops, discussions, and explanations.
Dates:
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Registration for all workshops held in conjunction with a theater performance.
Participation fee: Participation in workshops is free of charge. For bookings made by schools, tickets to the performances are available starting at 8 euros.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Karlstraße 45 A, 76133 Karlsruhe
„Recht stadtlich!“ City Walking Tour in Karlsruhe
Starting Thursday, April 9, 2026, with a special showing on May 9 featuring a special „Europe Edition“
After the winter break, the Forum Recht Foundation is resuming its popular series of city walks in Karlsruhe 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 2026: April 9, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, and October 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day
Special Date: May 9, „Europaedition,“ 11:00 a.m., as part of the Europe Day in Karlsruhe.
Individual appointments: Groups of ten or more people can Request a personalized appointment.
Starting point and meeting place: Tourist Information Office on the Market Square, Kaiserstrasse 72-74, 76133 Karlsruhe
Participation: Participation is free of charge; advance registration is not required.
„Recht stadtlich!“ City Walking Tour in Leipzig
Starting Thursday, April 16, 2026, a special edition in collaboration with the Foundation for Sites of German Democratic History on May 21 and 23
The popular city walking tours will once again be offered in Leipzig in 2026: The monthly tour highlights locations related to the law, such as three major courts where justice is administered and cases are heard. Exciting legal cases—such as the Woyzeck, Egenberger, and Mephisto cases—are also featured on this accessible walking tour, which offers a fresh and informative perspective on the city of Leipzig and its legal landmarks.
As a special promotion to mark the 77th anniversary of the Basic Law, we are offering a Special Edition on May 21 and 23 in cooperation with the Foundation for Sites of German Democratic History. In addition to our usual look at various aspects of the law, we will be focusing in particular on the history of German democracy and the constitution.
Dates for 2026: April 16, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, and October 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on each date, unless otherwise noted.
Special Dates: Special Edition: History of Democracy—May 21 at 5:00 p.m. and May 23 at 11:00 a.m.
Individual appointments: Groups of ten or more people can Request a personalized appointment.
Starting point and meeting place: Before the Federal Administrative Court, Simsonplatz 1, 04107 Leipzig
Participation: Participation is free of charge; advance registration is not required.
„Recht stadtlich!“ City Walking Tour in Leipzig
Starting Thursday, April 16, 2026, a special edition in collaboration with the Foundation for Sites of German Democratic History on May 21 and 23
The popular city walking tours will once again be offered in Leipzig in 2026: The monthly tour highlights locations related to the law, such as three major courts where justice is administered and cases are heard. Exciting legal cases—such as the Woyzeck, Egenberger, and Mephisto cases—are also featured on this accessible walking tour, which offers a fresh and informative perspective on the city of Leipzig and its legal landmarks.
As a special promotion to mark the 77th anniversary of the Basic Law, we are offering a Special Edition on May 21 and 23 in cooperation with the Foundation for Sites of German Democratic History. In addition to our usual look at various aspects of the law, we will be focusing in particular on the history of German democracy and the constitution.
Dates for 2026: April 16, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, and October 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on each date, unless otherwise noted.
Special Dates: Special Edition: History of Democracy—May 21 at 5:00 p.m. and May 23 at 11:00 a.m.
Individual appointments: Groups of ten or more people can Request a personalized appointment.
Starting point and meeting place: Before the Federal Administrative Court, Simsonplatz 1, 04107 Leipzig
Participation: Participation is free of charge; advance registration is not required.
Theme Day: „Federal Constitutional Court“ in Karlsruhe
Training for thought leaders in the fields of education, social work, and journalism, as well as for others with professional expertise related to this subject area
Friday, April 17, 2026
To mark the 75th anniversary of the Federal Constitutional Court this year, the first Theme Day of 2026 will focus entirely on this special constitutional body. Following a tour of the building and a discussion with a legal professional working at the Federal Constitutional Court, the afternoon will feature two expert presentations and a short workshop at the Forum Recht Foundation’s offices, which will explore the Federal Constitutional Court, its responsibilities, and its challenges in greater depth.
The theme days are one-day professional development sessions that combine a visit to a site related to law and the rule of law with practical discussions, expert presentations, and exchanges in a workshop format. Participants come from the fields of education (schools, political education, adult education centers, and other educational institutions), social work (including volunteer youth leaders and social workers), and media and journalism. Other individuals with professional ties to the subject area—such as lay judges or those active in politics—are also invited to participate.
Location: Federal Constitutional Court and the Forum Recht Foundation, Karlsruhe
The number of participants is limited to 25.
Participation: Participation in the training is free of charge. You are responsible for paying for your own lunch each day.
26th Karlsruhe Constitutional Talks
Public Panel Discussion on Current Constitutional Issues
Friday, May 22, 2026
In 2026, the Forum Recht Foundation will serve as a co-organizer of the 26th Karlsruhe Constitutional Talks for the first time. The Karlsruhe Constitutional Talks take place every year on May 22—the eve of the proclamation of the Basic Law—at the Federal Constitutional Court and focus on current constitutional issues. Prominent figures from politics, academia, and the judiciary are invited to participate in the public panel discussion.
This year’s Constitutional Dialogues will focus on the 75th anniversary of the Federal Constitutional Court. To mark this occasion, the study „Transformation Through Law,“ commissioned by the Court, will be presented. It examines the Court’s development in the post-Nazi era, tracing how the Court redefined its role in the early Federal Republic and the lasting influence this phase continues to have on its functions and the legal culture to this day.
As part of the event, Isabel Heinemann, director of the Institute for Contemporary History Munich-Berlin, will give an introduction. Following that, the two authors of the study—Dr. Eva Balz, a historian and research associate at the Institute for Contemporary History Munich-Berlin, and PD Dr. Frieder Günther, a historian and head of the Research Coordination and Knowledge Management Division at the Forum Recht Foundation, will present the study’s key findings, offering in-depth insights into this formative era.
Finally, the study's findings will be examined in greater depth during a panel discussion.
Location: Federal Constitutional Court, Schlossbezirk 3, 76131 Karlsruhe
You can find all the latest information on ticket purchases and the livestream in the Calendar.
26th Karlsruhe Constitutional Talks
Public Panel Discussion on Current Constitutional Issues
Friday, May 22, 2026
In 2026, the Forum Recht Foundation will serve as a co-organizer of the 26th Karlsruhe Constitutional Talks for the first time. The Karlsruhe Constitutional Talks take place every year on May 22—the eve of the proclamation of the Basic Law—at the Federal Constitutional Court and focus on current constitutional issues. Prominent figures from politics, academia, and the judiciary are invited to participate in the public panel discussion.
This year’s Constitutional Dialogues will focus on the 75th anniversary of the Federal Constitutional Court. To mark this occasion, the study „Transformation Through Law,“ commissioned by the Court, will be presented. It examines the Court’s development in the post-Nazi era, tracing how the Court redefined its role in the early Federal Republic and the lasting influence this phase continues to have on its functions and the legal culture to this day.
As part of the event, Isabel Heinemann, director of the Institute for Contemporary History Munich-Berlin, will give an introduction. Following that, the two authors of the study—Dr. Eva Balz, a historian and research associate at the Institute for Contemporary History Munich-Berlin, and PD Dr. Frieder Günther, a historian and head of the Research Coordination and Knowledge Management Division at the Forum Recht Foundation, will present the study’s key findings, offering in-depth insights into this formative era.
Finally, the study's findings will be examined in greater depth during a panel discussion.
Location: Federal Constitutional Court, Schlossbezirk 3, 76131 Karlsruhe
You can find all the latest information on ticket purchases and the livestream in the Calendar.
Digital Legal (State) Mediation: Resources and Programs from the Forum Recht Foundation
Training for key influencers in the fields of education, law, and social services, as well as for others with professional expertise related to this subject area
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 &
The new virtual training program, „Digital Education on Law and the Rule of Law,“ is aimed at professionals in the fields of education and social services, lawyers interested in teaching these subjects, and others from across Germany who are interested in the topic. In a concise webinar, the foundation provides insight into topics, methods, and materials for effective education on the law and the rule of law, and offers an opportunity for questions and discussion.
We’ll start with the educational resources section of the Forum Recht Foundation itself. We’ll present our materials—which are designed for use in educational settings and are mostly available for free—and offer tips on how to use them. We’ll also briefly discuss our programs for groups and for educators, and we look forward to answering questions and engaging in an interdisciplinary exchange.
Location: virtual
Duration: 90 minutes
Registration: Registration is open until June 16!
Participation: Participation in the training is free of charge.
Theme Day: „Correctional System“ in Hamburg
Training for thought leaders in the fields of education, social work, and journalism, as well as for others with professional expertise related to this subject area
Friday, June 26, 2026
There are regular discussions in the media and in political circles about how offenders should be treated—yet most people lack an understanding of what incarceration in Germany entails and what daily life is like in German prisons. Public discourse often focuses on „locking people up,“ while the issues of reintegration and the purpose of punishment take a back seat.
To provide participants with insights into the correctional system, the Forum Recht Foundation is hosting its third themed event of 2026 at the Hamburg Social Therapy Institution. The day’s program includes a guided tour of the facility, a discussion with a representative of the facility’s administration, expert presentations on the topic, and discussions among the participants.
The theme days are one-day professional development sessions that combine a visit to a site related to law and the rule of law with practical discussions, expert presentations, and exchanges in a workshop format. Participants come from the fields of education (schools, political education, adult education centers, and other educational institutions), social work (including volunteer youth leaders and social workers), and media and journalism. Other individuals with professional ties to the subject area—such as lay judges or those active in politics—are also invited to participate.
Location: Hamburg Social Therapy Center (Fuhlsbüttel), Suhrenkamp 92, 22335 Hamburg
Registration: Registration is open until Wednesday, June 10, 2026!
The number of participants is limited to 23.
Participation: Participation in the training is free of charge. You are responsible for paying for your own lunch each day.
Theme Day: „Correctional System“ in Hamburg
Training for thought leaders in the fields of education, social work, and journalism, as well as for others with professional expertise related to this subject area
Friday, June 26, 2026
There are regular discussions in the media and in political circles about how offenders should be treated—yet most people lack an understanding of what incarceration in Germany entails and what daily life is like in German prisons. Public discourse often focuses on „locking people up,“ while the issues of reintegration and the purpose of punishment take a back seat.
To provide participants with insights into the correctional system, the Forum Recht Foundation is hosting its third themed event of 2026 at the Hamburg Social Therapy Institution. The day’s program includes a guided tour of the facility, a discussion with a representative of the facility’s administration, expert presentations on the topic, and discussions among the participants.
The theme days are one-day professional development sessions that combine a visit to a site related to law and the rule of law with practical discussions, expert presentations, and exchanges in a workshop format. Participants come from the fields of education (schools, political education, adult education centers, and other educational institutions), social work (including volunteer youth leaders and social workers), and media and journalism. Other individuals with professional ties to the subject area—such as lay judges or those active in politics—are also invited to participate.
Location: Hamburg-Bergedorf Social Therapy Center, Hamburg
Registration: Registration is open until Wednesday, June 10, 2026!
The number of participants is limited to 23.
Participation: Participation in the training is free of charge. You are responsible for paying for your own lunch each day.
Workshops at the Bavarian Children's and Youth Film Festival in Augsburg
Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26, 2026
The Bavarian Children's and Youth Film Festival (BKJFF) will take place this year from July 23 to 26 and will be held in Augsburg. Since 1989, the BKJFF has provided a platform for young filmmakers up to age 26.
The Forum Recht Foundation is participating—as it did in 2022 and 2024—as a partner, offering several workshops on the special theme of „Justice.“ One workshop will take place during the festival itself with young filmmakers from all over Bavaria, and two others will be held in the run-up to the festival with youth groups from Augsburg and the surrounding area.
Location: Augsburg
The Forum Recht Foundation is participating in the Karlsruhe Museum Night (KAMUNA)
Saturday, August 1, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to midnight
The Forum Recht Foundation will also be opening its doors for KAMUNA 2026: On Saturday, August 1, 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 interactive pop-up exhibition project will be on display, inviting visitors to share their experiences with the law and discuss the law and the rule of law.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Karlstraße 45 A, 76133 Karlsruhe
The Forum Recht Foundation is participating in the Karlsruhe Museum Night (KAMUNA)
Saturday, August 1, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to midnight
The Forum Recht Foundation will also be opening its doors for KAMUNA 2026: On Saturday, August 1, 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 interactive pop-up exhibition project will be on display, inviting visitors to share their experiences with the law and discuss the law and the rule of law.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Karlstraße 45 A, 76133 Karlsruhe
„Labor Law“ Theme Day in Erfurt
Training for thought leaders in the fields of education, social work, and journalism, as well as for others with professional expertise related to this subject area
Friday, September 11, 2026
The Forum Recht Foundation’s third Thematic Day in 2026 will focus on labor law—a field of law that directly shapes the daily lives of many people. The event will center on current issues surrounding rights and obligations in employment relationships, employee participation, protection against wrongful termination, collective bargaining autonomy, as well as discrimination and equal treatment in the workplace. Particular attention will be paid to the significance of labor law regulations for thought leaders in education, social work, and journalism: How can labor law topics be communicated in an accessible way? What social conflicts are reflected in labor law? And what role do courts play in the further development of the law?
A visit to the Federal Labor Court in Erfurt gives participants the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the court’s rulings and to engage in conversation with experts. The theme day combines in-depth professional knowledge with a practical perspective and provides an opportunity for discussion and networking.
The theme days are one-day professional development sessions that combine a visit to a site related to law and the rule of law with practical discussions, expert presentations, and exchanges in a workshop format. Participants come from the fields of education (schools, political education, adult education centers, and other educational institutions), social work (including volunteer youth leaders and social workers), and media and journalism. Other individuals with professional ties to the subject area—such as lay judges or those active in politics—are also invited to participate.
Location: Federal Labor Court, Hugo-Preuß-Platz 1, 99084 Erfurt
Registration: The Registration form and Detailed information about the process will be posted on the website no later than three months before the event.
The number of participants is limited to 25.
Participation: Participation in the training is free of charge. You are responsible for paying for your own lunch each day.
Workshop: „Interactive Body Journey—What the Law Has to Do with My Health“
as part of the EFFEKTE series on Tuesday, September 15, 2026
In a workshop, the Forum Recht Foundation uses an „interactive journey through the body“ to explore key legal issues surrounding the future of health and medicine.
At various stations focusing on different parts of the body, participants explore how the law protects, limits, and shapes health: Who decides what happens to one’s own body? How far does government regulation extend? Where are the boundaries of self-determination, responsibility, and progress? On this journey from head to heart, it becomes clear just how closely medical progress and the legal framework are intertwined. Participants also engage in dialogue with experts from the fields of law, medicine, and ethics.
The workshop is part of the EFFEKTE series.
Location: TRIANGEL Transfer | Culture | Raum, Kaiserstrasse 93, 76133 Karlsruhe
Further information on registration options and participation will be announced shortly on the Forum Recht Foundation's website.
Workshop: „Interactive Body Journey—What the Law Has to Do with My Health“
as part of the EFFEKTE series on Tuesday, September 15, 2026
In a workshop, the Forum Recht Foundation uses an „interactive journey through the body“ to explore key legal issues surrounding the future of health and medicine.
At various stations focusing on different parts of the body, participants explore how the law protects, limits, and shapes health: Who decides what happens to one’s own body? How far does government regulation extend? Where are the boundaries of self-determination, responsibility, and progress? On this journey from head to heart, it becomes clear just how closely medical progress and the legal framework are intertwined. Participants also engage in dialogue with experts from the fields of law, medicine, and ethics.
The workshop is part of the EFFEKTE series.
Location: TRIANGEL Transfer | Culture | Raum, Kaiserstrasse 93, 76133 Karlsruhe
Further information on registration options and participation will be announced shortly on the Forum Recht Foundation's website.
Panel Discussion: „Does Karlsruhe Help Govern? On the Role of the Federal Constitutional Court in a Democratic State Governed by the Rule of Law“
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
The Forum Recht Foundation is hosting a panel discussion to mark the 75th anniversary of the Federal Constitutional Court. Since its establishment, the Federal Constitutional Court has been the subject of recurring controversy—whether regarding its legitimacy, the scope of its rulings, or its proximity to politics, for example through the selection of judges. On the other hand, there has been much discussion in recent years about how the Federal Constitutional Court can be better protected.
Discuss these and other topics Thomas Offenloch, Federal Constitutional Court Justice, Prof. Dr. Gabriele Abels, a political scientist and lay judge at the Constitutional Court of the State of Baden-Württemberg, and the attorney Dr. Roya Sangi on stage and with you in the audience. The discussion will be moderated by Christoph Kehlbach hosted by the ARD legal news desk.
Partners: The event is a collaboration between the Forum Recht Foundation and the State Agency for Political Education in Baden-Württemberg.
Location: Stiftung Forum Recht, Karlstraße 45 A, 76133 Karlsruhe
Further information will be announced shortly on the Forum Recht Foundation's website.
Digital Mediation in the Legal System
Training for key influencers in the fields of education, law, and social services, as well as for others with professional expertise related to this subject area
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
The new virtual training program, „Digital Education on Law and the Rule of Law,“ is aimed at professionals in the fields of education and social services, lawyers interested in teaching these subjects, and others from across Germany who are interested in the topic. In a concise webinar, the foundation provides insight into topics, methods, and materials for effective education on the law and the rule of law, and offers an opportunity for questions and discussion.
Details about the content will be announced shortly before the event.
Location: virtual
Duration: about 90 minutes
Registration: The registration form and detailed information about the process can be found posted promptly on the website.
Participation: Participation in the training is free of charge.
Digital Mediation in the Legal System
Training for key influencers in the fields of education, law, and social services, as well as for others with professional expertise related to this subject area
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
The new virtual training program, „Digital Education on Law and the Rule of Law,“ is aimed at professionals in the fields of education and social services, lawyers interested in teaching these subjects, and others from across Germany who are interested in the topic. In a concise webinar, the foundation provides insight into topics, methods, and materials for effective education on the law and the rule of law, and offers an opportunity for questions and discussion.
Details about the content will be announced shortly before the event.
Location: virtual
Duration: about 90 minutes
Registration: The registration form and detailed information about the process can be found posted promptly on the website.
Participation: Participation in the training is free of charge.
Symposium „Karlsruhe Forum for Culture, Law, and Technology“
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
The city of Karlsruhe has particular expertise in the fields of technical sciences, law, and culture. The symposium, which has been held annually for 20 years, has therefore set itself the goal of advancing social discourse in these areas. To this end, the „Karlsruhe Forum for Culture, Law, and Technology“ brings together experts from academia, professional practice, culture, business, and the legal field to discuss current challenges and future issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. This year, the Forum Recht Foundation is a co-organizer for the first time.
Partners: Symposium organized by the Karlsruhe Forum for Culture, Law, and Technology (e.V.) in cooperation with the Forum Recht Foundation, the ZKM Karlsruhe, and the KIT Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis
Location: ZKM, Center for Art and Media, Lorenzstraße 19, 76135 Karlsruhe
Further information will be announced shortly on the Forum Recht Foundation's website.
Study Tour: „International Law“
Training program with stops in Karlsruhe, Strasbourg, Luxembourg, Brussels, and The Hague
Saturday, October 17, through Sunday, October 25, 2026
In October 2026, the Forum Recht Foundation is inviting participants to its first international study tour. This one-week program on the topic of „International Law,“ with stops in Karlsruhe, Strasbourg, Luxembourg, Brussels, and The Hague, is aimed at opinion leaders from the education sector (schools, political education, adult education centers, other educational institutions), the social sector (e.g., volunteer youth leaders; social workers), as well as media professionals, decision-makers, (local) politicians, and individuals with a professional interest in the subject (e.g., lay judges). The training program features expert lectures, discussion forums, and opportunities to visit local institutions, such as the European Court of Human Rights, the European Commission, or the International Criminal Court. The study tour is designed to empower 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.
Places: Karlsruhe, Strasbourg, Luxembourg, Brussels, and The Hague
Registration: Applications to participate were accepted until August 9. More information about the itinerary and the trip.
The number of participants is limited to 25.
Participation fee: Participation is subsidized; the expected cost to participants is approximately €450 (in a shared double room). The trip begins in Karlsruhe and ends in The Hague.
For the „International Law“ study tour, our FORUM RECHT e.V. Support Association. Three scholarships (covering the applicant's share of costs and providing a travel allowance). We will provide information on the application process in the official call for applications, which you can find here can view it promptly. We thank our Friends Association for their support!
Study Tour: „International Law“
Training program with stops in Karlsruhe, Strasbourg, Luxembourg, Brussels, and The Hague
Saturday, October 17, through Sunday, October 25, 2026
In October 2026, the Forum Recht Foundation is inviting participants to its first international study tour. This one-week program on the topic of „International Law,“ with stops in Karlsruhe, Strasbourg, Luxembourg, Brussels, and The Hague, is aimed at opinion leaders from the education sector (schools, political education, adult education centers, other educational institutions), the social sector (e.g., volunteer youth leaders; social workers), as well as media professionals, decision-makers, (local) politicians, and individuals with a professional interest in the subject (e.g., lay judges). The training program features expert lectures, discussion forums, and opportunities to visit local institutions, such as the European Court of Human Rights, the European Commission, or the International Criminal Court. The study tour is designed to empower 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.
Places: Karlsruhe, Strasbourg, Luxembourg, Brussels, and The Hague
Registration: A Applications to participate can be submitted via the registration form You can do this on the website. There you'll also find more information about the itinerary and the trip.
The number of participants is limited to 25.
Participation fee: Participation is subsidized; the expected cost to participants is approximately €450 (in a shared double room). The trip begins in Karlsruhe and ends in The Hague.
For the „International Law“ study tour, our FORUM RECHT e.V. Support Association. Three scholarships (covering the applicant's share of costs and providing a travel allowance). We will provide information on the application process in the official call for applications, which you can find here can view it promptly. We thank our Friends Association for their support!
Event Accompanying the Exhibition „One Trial—Four Languages“
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
As part of the exhibition „One Trial—Four Languages,“ the Forum Recht Foundation is offering an accompanying discussion series. The exhibition focuses on a topic that was central to the Nuremberg Trials but is often overlooked: language and interpretation. From there, the discussion will turn to the present: How does multilingualism work in court today? Is „understanding in court“ a given—or is it still a challenge? The exhibition illustrates that the rule of law always depends, in part, on whether proceedings can be understood linguistically in the first place.
Location: New City Hall, Martin-Luther-Ring 4–6, 04109 Leipzig
Further information will be announced shortly on the Forum Recht Foundation's website.
Federal Forum on Education in Law and the Rule of Law: Connecting Perspectives. Sharing Knowledge.
Conference featuring presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities
Friday, November 27, through Saturday, November 28, 2026
The law and the rule of law are the backbone of our democratic society—but how can we communicate them in a way that makes them understandable and relevant to everyone? At a time when disinformation and social polarization are on the rise, we need new ways to make legal knowledge accessible—especially to target groups that have been underserved until now.
Under the motto „Connecting Perspectives. Sharing Knowledge,“ the first Federal Forum on Legal Education and the Rule of Law invites stakeholders from all areas of the administration of justice, education, social work, academia, journalism, and politics to Leipzig to find answers together.
The focus is on transdisciplinary exchange and practical solutions: Through keynote presentations, workshops, and a Barcamp, best-practice examples will be presented, pressing issues and scholarly findings will be discussed, and innovative methods will be tested. How can we also reach marginalized groups or people who are skeptical of the rule of law? What content and formats are particularly effective? With this conference, the Forum Recht Foundation offers a platform to collaboratively shape the field of legal education and build a sustainable network—with the goal of making the law more understandable and thereby strengthening trust in the law and the rule of law.
Anyone interested is cordially invited to contribute their own workshop ideas. The Call for Contributions still running until June 28, 2026.
Location: HTWK Leipzig
Registration: For more details, please visit the Pages about the Federal Forum. Registration begins online Effective June 1, 2026. Sign up!
On behalf of the Federal Forum, our FORUM RECHT e.V. Support Association. six scholarships. Applications can be submitted via the Registration Form for the Federal Forum possible. We would like to thank our Friends Association for their support!
Federal Forum on Education in Law and the Rule of Law: Connecting Perspectives. Sharing Knowledge.
Conference featuring presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities
Friday, November 27, through Saturday, November 28, 2026
The law and the rule of law are the backbone of our democratic society—but how can we communicate them in a way that makes them understandable and relevant to everyone? At a time when disinformation and social polarization are on the rise, we need new ways to make legal knowledge accessible—especially to target groups that have been underserved until now.
Under the motto „Connecting Perspectives. Sharing Knowledge,“ the first Federal Forum on Legal Education and the Rule of Law invites stakeholders from all areas of the administration of justice, education, social work, academia, journalism, and politics to Leipzig to find answers together.
The focus is on transdisciplinary exchange and practical solutions: Through keynote presentations, workshops, and a Barcamp, best-practice examples will be presented, pressing issues and scholarly findings will be discussed, and innovative methods will be tested. How can we also reach marginalized groups or people who are skeptical of the rule of law? What content and formats are particularly effective? With this conference, the Forum Recht Foundation offers a platform to collaboratively shape the field of legal education and build a sustainable network—with the goal of making the law more understandable and thereby strengthening trust in the law and the rule of law.
Anyone interested is cordially invited to contribute their own workshop ideas. The Call for Contributions still running until June 28, 2026.
Location: HTWK Leipzig
Registration: For more details, please visit the Pages about the Federal Forum. Registration begins online Effective June 1, 2026. Sign up!
On behalf of the Federal Forum, our FORUM RECHT e.V. Support Association. six scholarships. Applications can be submitted via the Registration Form for the Federal Forum possible. We would like to thank our Friends Association for their support!
Theme Day in North Rhine-Westphalia
Training for thought leaders in the fields of education, social work, and journalism, as well as for others with professional expertise related to this subject area
Date to be announced
The fourth theme day of 2026 will take place in North Rhine-Westphalia. The topic and location are still being finalized and will be announced shortly on the Professional Development Page published.
The theme days are one-day professional development sessions that combine a visit to a site related to law and the rule of law with practical discussions, expert presentations, and exchanges in a workshop format. Participants come from the fields of education (schools, political education, adult education centers, and other educational institutions), social work (including volunteer youth leaders and social workers), and media and journalism. Other individuals with a professional connection to the subject area—such as lay judges or those active in politics—are also invited to participate.
Location: TBD
Registration: The registration form and detailed Information on the Process will be available on the website starting about three months before the event.
The number of participants is limited to 25.
Participation: Participation in the training is free of charge. You are responsible for paying for your own lunch each day.
Let's meet up!
Throughout 2026, the Forum Recht Foundation will be hosting information booths at events 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 German Judges and Prosecutors' Conference in Weimar from Wednesday, April 15, through Friday, April 17, 2026
As part of the 2026 German Judges and Prosecutors„ Day in Weimar, titled “Save the Rule of Law,” the Forum Recht Foundation will also be present: At an information booth, it will showcase its programs and provide information on how people can get involved in the foundation’s activities. The pop-up exhibition will also be on display in Weimar during this time.
Location: Weimarhalle Congress Center, UNESCO-Platz 1, 99423 Weimar
The Forum Recht Foundation at the Open House at the Chemnitz Regional Court on Wednesday, June 3, 2026
With a diverse range of activities, the courts in the Chemnitz Regional Court district invite the public to an Open House under the theme „Open Justice.“ A wide range of activities invites citizens to experience the rule of law as something accessible to the public and an asset to urban society. The Forum Recht Foundation will also be present with an information booth, showcasing its programs and providing details on how people can participate in the foundation’s activities.
Location: Chemnitz Regional Court, Hohe Straße 23, 09112 Chemnitz
The Forum Recht Foundation at the German Lawyers' Conference in Freiburg on Thursday, June 11, and Friday, June 12, 2026
The Forum Recht Foundation will also be participating in the 2026 German Lawyers' Conference in Freiburg: At an information booth, it will present its programs and provide information on how people can get involved in the foundation's activities.
The Pop-up exhibition will be on display in Freiburg during this period. To accompany the exhibition, the Forum Recht Foundation is organizing several events designed to foster dialogue about the law and the rule of law among the city’s residents. You can attend the Panel Discussion: „Access to Justice: Does Justice Belong to Those Who Can Afford It?“ on June 8, at 7:00 p.m., at the University of Freiburg. In cooperation with the German Bar Association, the event will take place on June 11, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., a legal consultation on social law issues at the Freiburg Social Court.
Location: Freiburg Trade Fair, Neuer Messplatz 1, 79108 Freiburg
The Forum Recht Foundation at the Open House of the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, 2026
What does a ministry actually look like on the inside, and what exactly happens there? The Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection is hosting two open house days in Berlin this June. The Forum Recht Foundation will be there with a booth. We’ll be introducing the foundation in Berlin and inviting all visitors to take part in a quiz on law and the rule of law.
Location: 37 Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Straße, 10117 Berlin
The Forum Recht Foundation will participate in the information fair at „DAS FEST“ from Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26, 2026
At the end of July, hundreds of thousands of people will once again gather in Karlsruhe for the „DAS FEST“ music festival. 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: Günther-Klotz Park, Karlsruhe
The Forum Recht Foundation will participate in the neighborhood event at Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz in Leipzig on Wednesday, August 26, 2026
In August, the City of Leipzig will present the construction plans for Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz. We’ll have a booth there to showcase our work and plans for the future Forum Recht. Stop by our booth to meet our staff, learn about our work, and find out how you can get involved by sharing your questions, experiences, and ideas!
Location: Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz, Leipzig
The Forum Recht Foundation at the German Jurists' Congress in Erfurt Wednesday, September 16, through Friday, September 18, 2026
The Forum Recht Foundation will also be participating in the 2026 German Lawyers’ Conference in Erfurt: At an information booth, it will present its programs and provide information on how people can get involved in the foundation’s activities. The pop-up exhibition will also be on display in Erfurt during this time.
Location: Erfurt Trade Fair, Gothaer Straße 34, 99094 Erfurt
As of August 10, 2026; subject to change!