Bundesgerichtshof

The Bundesgerichtshof (BGH), Germany's Federal Court of Justice, is the highest court in the hierarchy of ordinary jurisdiction for civil and criminal cases. It is based in Karlsruhe, Germany. The BGH is currently newsworthy due to its recent rulings on climate-related lawsuits filed by Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), a German environmental association, against automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz. These lawsuits aimed to force the automakers to cease selling new combustion engine vehicles by 2030. The BGH rejected these claims, arguing that the responsibility for setting such regulations lies with the legislature, not the courts. This decision is significant as it clarifies the separation of powers in addressing climate change and highlights the ongoing debate about the role of courts versus lawmakers in environmental policy.