Bundesverfassungsgericht

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The Court’s duties

The Federal Constitutional Court is responsible for ensuring adherence to the Basic Law. Since its establishment in 1951, the Court has helped ensure respect for and give effect to Germany’s free democratic basic order. This applies in particular to the enforcement of fundamental rights. All bodies exercising public authority are obliged to observe the Basic Law. In the event of disputes regarding the Basic Law, proceedings may be brought before the Federal Constitutional Court. Its decisions are final and binding on all other state organs.

The work of the Federal Constitutional Court also has political effects. This becomes particularly clear when the Court declares legislation unconstitutional. However, the Court is not a political body. Its sole standard of review is the Basic Law. The Court must not take into consideration questions of political expediency in its decisions. It only determines the constitutional framework within which policies may develop. The ability to limit state power is a key feature of the modern democratic constitutional state.