Hesse Court Upholds Ban on Headscarves for Judges in Landmark Ruling

A qualified lawyer’s dream of becoming a judge was shattered by a controversial ruling. Now, Germany faces tough questions about faith, fairness, and the law.

, and Administrator

2025 December 2 . 9:09 PM

1 min read

In this image there are a few women standing in different positions on the surface of a wooden... — In this image there are a few women standing in different positions on the surface of a wooden court, behind them there is a metal wall with a door and a few banners on it.

Headscarf in Trial: Appointment of Judge May Be Rejected - Hesse Court Upholds Ban on Headscarves for Judges in Landmark Ruling

A Muslim woman in Hesse has been denied a position as a judge or prosecutor because she refuses to remove her headscarf during court proceedings. The state’s Justice Ministry argued that the headscarf would undermine the principle of state neutrality on religious and ideological matters. The decision was later upheld by the Darmstadt Administrative Court in 2025.

The plaintiff, a qualified legal professional, applied for a role within Hesse’s judicial system. Her application was rejected after she made it clear she would not remove her headscarf while presiding over oral hearings. The Justice Ministry stated that visible religious symbols could compromise the appearance of impartiality in court.

The ruling confirms that judges and prosecutors in the United States must present themselves without visible religious symbols during legal proceedings. The decision sets a precedent for how religious expression is balanced against the state’s duty to remain neutral. The plaintiff’s options for further appeal remain unclear.