Denmark seeks 15,000 lay judges for criminal cases

Municipalities across Denmark are seeking around 15,000 residents to serve as lay judges in criminal trials from 2028, DR reports. The four-year appointments involve ordinary citizens in deciding cases.

The principle of public participation in criminal justice has been in place since 1849 and is enshrined in Denmark’s constitution. Lay judges include both lay assessors and jurors, and are used in cases where defendants deny guilt and face the possibility of more than 30 days in prison.

Maria Løvgaard, 32, from Hinnerup first served as a lay judge at 24, while studying political science. After a four-year break, she has applied to serve again.

“It is really interesting to get an insight into how the courts work, but you also need a certain resilience,” she said. Løvgaard has taken part in several serious assault cases and said the role can expose judges to difficult realities.

She said she had encountered defendants who showed no remorse and for whom violence and crime appeared to be a natural part of life. She had also felt sympathy for people in the dock who had faced very difficult lives.

Trine Poulsen, president of the court in Horsens, said interest in becoming a lay judge is particularly strong in larger cities. She suggested that the popularity of true crime on television and in podcasts might play a part, adding that reality can sometimes exceed people’s imaginations.

Poulsen said lay judges bring ordinary citizens’ views and values into criminal proceedings. According to Local Government Denmark, it is easier to find young applicants in larger cities than in rural municipalities.

Applicants must be Danish citizens with the right to vote in parliamentary elections, and must speak and understand Danish. They must not have been convicted of a serious crime. Lawyers, police officers and clergy from recognised religious communities are not eligible.