Ravensbrück Memorial Museum
Book presentation and discussion: "Red Lines – How the Federal Constitutional Court Protects Democracy"
17. May 2026 – 11:30 - 13:00 Uhr
In cooperation with the association Brückenschlag Fürstenberg e.V., the Ravensbrück Memorial Museum invites you to a presentation of the SPIEGEL bestseller “Rote Linien – Wie das Bundesverfassungsgericht die Demokratie schützt” (German edition; Red Lines – How the Federal Constitutional Court Protects Democracy).
About the book (publisher’s text)
The Federal Constitutional Court is a German icon. For many, “Karlsruhe” stands for a powerful institution that enjoys greater public trust than the government or even the armed forces. The fundamental rights negotiated here concern us all. Yet who wears the red robes and how decisions are made largely remains unknown.
This book tells that story in a vivid and personal way from the perspective of a former judge after twelve years in office. How does the Court really work? How does it ensure that all voices are heard? And how do eight very different personalities reach consensus even in major controversies? How does the Constitutional Court protect democracy and why must we protect it? Complex processes in real cases are made accessible, from climate issues to migration and freedom of expression.
About the author (publisher’s text)
Susanne Baer, Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. mult., born in 1964, served for twelve years as a judge of the Federal Constitutional Court. She now teaches at Humboldt University of Berlin, where she founded the Law Clinic for Fundamental and Human Rights and the Institute for Law and Society. She is also active in London, Toronto, Ann Arbor and Vienna, working to advance knowledge about the law.
The book presentation will be followed by a conversation with the author. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion.
Please note: The event will be held in German. No translation will be provided. Unlike most events at the memorial, which are free of charge, an admission fee of 10 euros applies.
The event takes place in cooperation with the association Brückenschlag Fürstenberg e.V.
Venue
At Kulturgasthof "Alte Reederei"
Brandenburger Straße 38
16798 Fürstenberg/Havel
