There is nothing in court that does not exist, says Andre Schmitt. As a lay judge at the district court, he decides on the fate of the accused. During his voluntary work, he learned “how well our constitutional state works”.
Interviewed by
Susie Wimmer
Andre Schmitt listens carefully, takes notes, his face doesn’t move. The accused Joseph K. is just describing how the alleged rape took place – namely not at all, it was consensual sexual intercourse, says K. Andre Schmitt is sitting at the judge’s desk, he is not wearing a robe, but his voice will have weight when a decision is made about it whether the 23-year-old defendant has to go to prison – or not.