April 15, 2026
Call for Contributions
Help shape the agenda for the Federal Forum by
How do you convey the importance of the law and the rule of law for a vibrant democracy? Professionals and advocates from the fields of education and law, theory and practice, journalism and social work, as well as other interested individuals, are cordially invited to submit a contribution to help shape the Federal Forum's program. The article can For example, it could be a short workshop, a participatory activity, a hands-on exercise, or a lecture.
The call for contributions is now closed; submissions were due by June 28, 2026, via email to bundesforum@stiftung-forum-recht.de possible. The Forum Recht Foundation will review and select the submissions in early July.
Contributors will be reimbursed for their travel expenses (train, second class) and will receive free hotel accommodations.
Registration: Registration for free participation will be open starting June 1, 2026.
Contact:
Thomas Stelzl, Head of Outreach and Education
bundesforum@stiftung-forum-recht.de
Call for Contributions
Federal Forum on Education in Law and the Rule of Law:
Connecting perspectives. Sharing knowledge.
November 27 and 28, 2026, at the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences for Technology, Business, and Culture
As of April 9, 2026
Networking and Exchange in Legal (Rule of Law) Education
The law and the rule of law are more than just abstract concepts—they shape the way we live together and safeguard our freedom. But how can we communicate them in a way that makes them understandable and tangible for everyone? Especially today, when news and opinions spread at lightning speed, it is more important than ever not just to talk about the law. We must also explain clearly and vividly the significance of the law and the rule of law for a functioning and vibrant democracy.
This is precisely where the Forum Recht Foundation comes in: Established in 2019 by the German Bundestag, it has set itself the goal of addressing current issues surrounding the law and the rule of law, providing information on these topics, and engaging in dialogue with all segments of society. But it is not alone in this endeavor. Throughout Germany, institutions, initiatives, educational and research organizations, media companies, law firms, associations, and many others are working in a wide variety of ways to convey the concepts of law and the rule of law in a way that is both understandable and engaging.
Against this backdrop, the Forum Recht Foundation invites you to the 1. Federal Forum on Education in Law and the Rule of Law from the November 27–28, 2026, in the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences for Technology, Business, and Culture . Under the title Connecting perspectives. Sharing knowledge. We want to explore the many facets of teaching about the rule of law together with legal professionals from across the judicial system, judicial officers, political educators, teachers, and representatives from social work, academia, publishing, journalism, and politics. The goal is to, to discuss in a transdisciplinary manner, what approaches and methods we need to convey legal content in a way that is understandable and relevant to different target audiences—whether in school or extracurricular settings, in the media, in academia, in law firms, or in public debate. In doing so, we aim to examine the most pressing issues, share practical experiences, and explore the challenges and prospects of modern legal education.
Together, we can make the law and the rule of law accessible and relevant to everyone—and the Federal Forum aims to provide the impetus for this. Discussions, exchanges, and the transfer of knowledge across disciplinary boundaries are intended to define, shape, and develop the field of legal and rule-of-law education for a non-legal audience.
On the first day of the event, keynote presentations and discussions will highlight some of the diverse perspectives on the topic. On the second day, there will be two sessions featuring several parallel workshops. That’s why we need you!
Content Guidelines for Submissions
Stakeholders from the fields of education and law, theory and practice, journalism and social work, as well as other interested individuals, are cordially invited to participate by contributing (e.g., short workshops or other participatory formats, practical exercises, presentations). The content may be based on the following sample questions or address other aspects relevant to the topic of the respective 60-minute workshop session:
Workshop Session 1: Examples of Successful Education on the Law and the Rule of Law
Focus: Best-practice examples, methods, and formats for legal (and rule-of-law) education
We are looking for practical examples of how to convey knowledge of the law and the rule of law in a way that is tailored to specific target audiences. We particularly welcome interactive formats that can be tested directly with the participants, as well as case studies of projects targeting groups that have been under-served to date (e.g., marginalized groups or people who are skeptical of the law and the rule of law).
Possible questions:
- What methods and formats have proven effective in your practice?
- How do you reach your target audience, and what challenges do you face?
- What success factors and lessons learned can you share?
- Also: Where have you encountered limits to the mediation of law and the rule of law?
Workshop Session 2: Topics in Legal Education and Education on the Rule of Law
Focus: Content, Thematic, and Didactic Focus Areas of Education on the Rule of Law
This section is dedicated to discussing relevant topics that play—or should play—a role in legal education and the rule of law. We are seeking contributions that highlight which topics are particularly relevant to the present day and to various target audiences, and how these topics can be presented.
Possible questions:
- Which thematic approaches have proven effective in practice for different target groups?
- In your opinion, which topics are currently underrepresented or particularly urgent?
- How can complex legal concepts be communicated in a way that is easy to understand and practical?
- What research findings help us understand the societal challenges and diverse needs of our target groups, and how can we address them?
- What gaps do you see in the topics covered by existing programs?
Since several workshops are offered simultaneously, per lecture or workshop each with approximately. 20 to 30 participants to expect. A workshop slot includes 60 minutes, including discussion. For short presentations, it is possible to take only half a workshop slot (30 minutes, including discussion). A second contributor for the other half of the slot will then be assigned by the conference organizers. It is also possible to apply as a pair.
Submit Articles
Please submit by June 28, 2026 one Brief Description (Abstract) of their planned post in the Between 2,000 and 2,500 characters as well as a Brief Biography (max. 800 characters) under bundesforum@stiftung-forum-recht.de Please address both the content of your presentation and your methodological approach or the planned format. If possible, please specify the technical equipment required.
The selection of submitted papers will take place in July 2026. Contributors will be reimbursed for their travel expenses (train, second class) and will receive free hotel accommodations.
Why participate?
- Interdisciplinary networking with stakeholders from various fields of legal education and education on the rule of law
- Opportunity to present and further develop your own projects and ideas
- Contribution to Strengthening Legal Knowledge and Understanding of the Rule of Law in Society
- Reflection and group discussion on a central aspect of our democratic community
- If applicable, inclusion of the article in a publication in 2027
- Reimbursement of travel expenses and free lodging
We look forward to your ideas and suggestions, and we thank you for your commitment!