Recent Developments in West German Civil Procedure

For the past twenty years, the West German system of civil procedure has undergone extensive re-examination and reform. These developments have centered on concerns regarding accessibility, technicality, cost, and delay. Nearly every phase of civil litigation was subjected to critical review and amendment. These changes have not, however, been as extensive as the most ambitious reformers would have liked, and will probably be weakened by practice and interpretation.

Because much of the impetus for these changes was based on a common problem, ever-increasing litigation, it is useful for United States observers to review the West German approach and success in this area. Professor Fisch here undertakes such a review, including an acknowledgement of points of contrast with United States civil procedure.