The judge conducts the trial and subsequently passes a verdict. To this end, he has to ascertain all facts which are relevant in judging the crime and the offender. The judge is also bound to act impartially, neutrally, objectively and without prejudice. If after evaluating all the evidence the judge has doubts about the defendants guilt he has to acquit the defendant. If the judge comes to the conclusion that the defendant is guilty, he has to impose an appropriate penalty.

What is the judge´s role during the investigation?

While the prosecutor’s office is in charge of the investigation, certain particularly intrusive investigative measures require the order of a judge. The investigating judge may not himself propose such a measure, he only rules on the application submitted by the prosecutor’s office. Examples of investigative measures requiring a court order are an arrest warrant or a search warrant.