Germany

The article analyses the law-related content on German television shown over a period of four months in November 2016. It is the first study to do so since the author's co-authored study published 2001 as article in the Journal of Law and Society. We observe a drastic change: classic courtroom dramas have disappeared, TV judge shows are only present as repeats and new "reality" formats are conquering the small screen. While the public broadcasters still invest in creating high quality shows and critical historical documentaries and plays, the private companies have specialized on cheap mass entertainment and the repeat of US crime series. Analysing the content of what is shown, it becomes clear that the German law and its institutions and the professions are largely misrepresented. Overall, the portrayal suggests that the people can trust the law.