Inquiries left unresolved experienced a surge in their count

In a concerning development for the German justice system, a record number of open cases have been reported, with public prosecutors facing a wave of over 964,000 pending cases nationwide. This significant increase, which represents a 4.6 percent rise from the previous year, has led to a backlog that is growing longer, according to Sven Rebehn, CEO of the German Judges' Association.

By the middle of 2025, investigators reported almost a million open cases, the highest number ever recorded. The North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Justice attributes this backlog to consistently high incoming numbers and an increase in requests from the parliamentary sector. In North Rhine-Westphalia alone, 645,337 new cases were added in the first half of 2025, contributing to the mounting pressure on the justice system.

The trend of increasing open cases is nationwide, except in Brandenburg where it was reversed. Only in Brandenburg was the trend of increasing open cases reversed, with the number reduced by more than a third. This decrease may be due to various factors, including the reversal of the slight decrease observed in 2024 and the lack of capacity to review the additional 86,000 cases from 2024.

The high number of open cases has resulted in an increase in case dismissals, a concerning development for the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system. The number of pending investigations by public prosecutors' offices in North Rhine-Westphalia reached its highest level in years in the first half of 2025, raising concerns about the potential impact on the region's justice system.

The increase in the number of open cases may also be attributed to the legalization of cannabis in 2024, which resulted in public prosecutors having to review files from an additional 86,000 cases. However, due to the high caseload, these cases were unable to be reviewed in 2025, further contributing to the backlog.

The increased workload from parliamentary requests requires significant time from department heads and senior officials, adding to the challenges faced by the justice system. As the number of open cases continues to rise, it is crucial for the German justice system to address this issue and find solutions to ensure the efficient and effective resolution of cases. The high caseload has already resulted in an increase in case dismissals, a worrying trend that underscores the need for action.