Edzard Schmidt-Jortzig (born 8 October 1941 in Berlin) is a German jurist and academic who combined a university career with political office. He became widely known through his appointment as Federal Minister of Justice in the fifth cabinet of Chancellor Helmut Kohl, serving from 1996 until 1998. For an overview of his life and roles see biography and summary.
Academic career and legal work
Schmidt-Jortzig pursued a career in legal scholarship and teaching, holding a professorship at the University of Kiel. In academia he was active in lecturing, publishing and supervising legal research, and he maintained links between scholarly work and public law practice. More on his academic profile is available at academic profile.
Political affiliation and context
He is a member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), a liberal party in Germany that traditionally emphasizes individual rights, rule of law, and market-oriented policies. The FDP was the junior coalition partner of the Christian Democratic bloc (CDU/CSU) during Kohl's chancellorship. For information on the party context and policy positions see party background.
Tenure as Federal Minister of Justice (1996–1998)
As Federal Minister of Justice Schmidt-Jortzig led the ministry during a period marked by continuing legal adaptation after German reunification and by Germany's deeper engagement with European law. His responsibilities included overseeing criminal and civil law matters, coordinating legislative proposals affecting the judiciary, and representing the ministry in federal debates. He served in Chancellor Kohl's fifth cabinet; further cabinet details can be found at cabinet information.
Later activity, significance and notable facts
After leaving federal office he returned to academic life and continued to contribute to legal scholarship and public discussion on law and justice. His career illustrates the close connections in Germany between university-based legal expertise and governmental legal administration. He was born in Berlin; background on the city and its institutions is available at Berlin context.
- Born: 8 October 1941, Berlin.
- Profession: jurist, law professor (University of Kiel).
- Political office: Federal Minister of Justice, 1996–1998 (Cabinet Kohl V).
- Party: Free Democratic Party (FDP).