Many thanks to Atlantik-Brücke e.V. for the invitation to a panel discussion with Prof. Monica Hakimi (Columbia University), Dr Iris Sayram (ARD), and Prof Dr Michael Kubiciel. The focus was on the role and function of international law in a time of profound changes to the international order. The discussion was serious but by no means pessimistic, and it offered numerous new insights.

In recent days, Prof. Kubiciel has engaged in an in depth examination of freedom of expression and its limits under criminal law. The occasion for this were recent decisions of the Federal Constitutional Court as well as the public debate surrounding Section 188 of the German Criminal Code. This provision does not constitute a special privilege for public officeholders; rather, its application presupposes that elected officials must tolerate significantly more intense criticism than other individuals and applies only under narrowly defined statutory conditions.
On these issues, Prof. Kubiciel has contributed articles to FAZ Einspruch and participated in discussions with the ARD justice correspondents. In addition, he was invited to an exchange with a working group of legal policymakers in the German Bundestag.

The Legal Masterclass, taking place from 21 to 23 May 2026, will bring together Professor Dr. Horst Dreier — one of the most distinguished figures in German legal scholarship — with selected early career researchers and highly motivated students for an intensive and stimulating exchange.