Ever wondered where justice is served in Leipzig? Right here, before the Landgericht Leipzig. This isn’t just any courthouse. It is a cornerstone of Saxony’s legal system. The Landgericht Leipzig stands as a testament to Leipzig’s rich history.
Let’s step back in time. The higher courts were reorganized in Saxony in 1835. This led to the creation of the Royal Oberappellationsgericht Dresden. Below it, several Appellationsgerichte were established. The Appellationsgericht Leipzig covered the Leipziger Kreis. This included areas like Penig and Oschatz.
A major change came with the German Gerichtsverfassungsgesetz in 1879. The Oberappellationsgericht Dresden became the Oberlandesgericht Dresden. The Appellationsgerichte were dissolved. Seven Landgerichte were created. Among them was the Landgericht Leipzig. Fifteen Amtsgerichte were assigned to it. These included Borna, Grimma, and Leipzig.
The main building of the Landgericht Leipzig on Harkortstraße was built between 1876 and 1878. Initially, it housed the trade and civil chambers. The criminal chambers were located in the building of today’s Amtsgericht Leipzig. This served as the second seat of the Landgericht Leipzig starting in 1902.
After World War II, the Landgericht Leipzig continued to operate. Many other authorities saw significant changes, but not this court. Some Amtsgerichte were closed or converted into branch offices. By 1947, the district included Amtsgerichte in Borna, Grimma, and Leipzig.
In 1952, East Germany dissolved the Landgerichte. The judiciary was reorganized with Kreis- and Bezirksgerichte. The Bezirksgericht Leipzig existed until 1992. On January 1, 1993, the Landgericht Leipzig was re-established. It emerged from the Bezirksgericht.
Today, Kai Deusing is the President of the Landgericht Leipzig. It is the largest Landgericht in eastern Germany. In 2020, it had 472 employees including 75 judges. There are 17 criminal chambers and ten civil chambers.
The Landgericht Leipzig is housed in multiple locations. The main buildings are at Harkortstraße 9 and 11/13. Additional locations include Bernhard-Göring-Straße 64 and Kantstraße 14.
The Oberlandesgericht Dresden and the Bundesgerichtshof oversee the Landgericht Leipzig. The Amtsgerichte Borna, Eilenburg, Grimma, and Torgau are subordinate to it.
The Landgericht Leipzig has a storied past. It has adapted to numerous legal and political shifts. As we stand here, we are connected to a history of Saxon justice. It is a history still unfolding within these walls.