The Sofa Judges
When you use a spray can against right-wing extremist slogans - is it civil courage or damage to property?
SWR proves the viewers right, because on the "Sofa Judges" the citizens have the last word: Two private detectives from Stuttgart, a policeman from Nürtingen + his family, a model from Mannheim, a precision mechanic from Ludwigshafen, a family from Mainz, four aspiring priests from Trier and two celebrities are the "Sofa Judges". Spontaneously and openly, they discuss the most interesting legal questions and judgements at home on the sofa. Acquittals and life sentences are often close together. One rants about legal errors, the next about laws that are too lax. ARD legal expert Frank Bräutigam comments on the arguments and clarifies how the courts actually decided. Since 10 May, starting at 9 p.m., the "Sofa Judges" have been on air + when comparing the legal perceptions of private citizens with the real legal situation, some surprises are bound to happen.
Five entertaining and controversial legal topics are discussed in the programme, for example: Do you have to pay for banana peels in the supermarket? How true does advertising have to be? Do I have to pay for my parents' nursing home even if contact has been broken off for a long time? The "sofa judges" argue passionately about this. ARD legal expert Frank Bräutigam tries to sort out the arguments + give legal advice. He, too, is curious to see what will be brought up "in the name of the people".
Interesting and exciting legal topics were presented to seven selected households. The reactions to them gave rise to what is perhaps the largest lay court in the broadcasting area, because the sofa judges not only comment, they also vote. In the end, there is a "sofa judgement". And that doesn't always have to be in line with the verdicts from the courtroom. But it is by no means always "Lock up, forever!": The "sofa judges" are also sometimes mild and life experience beats complicated file numbers.
The programme is based on the successful British format "Gogglebox" + provides delightful insights into the living rooms in the broadcast area. Gogglebox" also shows private people watching television.
Broadcasting on 01th of August 2023 at 09.00pm on NDR/ARD
Music: POPVIRUS Library