Federal Merit Cross bestowed upon Prof. Dr. Alfred Rinken
Former President of Bremen State Court Honored with Federal Cross of Merit 1st Class
In a ceremonial event at the Town Hall, Professor Dr. Alfred Rinken, a renowned scholar in public law and constitutional jurisprudence, was bestowed the Federal Cross of Merit 1st Class by Mayor Bovenschulte.
Contributing significantly to the legal academic field, Prof. Dr. Rinken commenced his academic career at the University of Freiburg before joining the University of Bremen in 1971. For nearly three decades, he imparted knowledge in Public Law and State and Constitutional Theory until his retirement in 2000. His passion for legal education reform and dedication to teaching and research inspired countless lawyers.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Prof. Dr. Rinken served as a judge at the Higher Administrative Court from 1978 and a member of the State Court of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen from 1979 to 2011, serving as its President from 2002 until his retirement in 2011. His groundbreaking rulings championed transparency and the information rights of citizens, leaving a lasting impact on the judiciary.
Mayor Bovenschulte praised Prof. Dr. Rinken, acknowledging his profound influence on Bremen's state constitutional law. The scholar's landmark commentary, co-authored with Prof. Dr. Andreas Fischer-Lescano, is now considered an essential resource for the Bremen judiciary. The 2016 edition remains inseparable from the Bremen legal system.
Prof. Dr. Rinken's scholarly work has been instrumental in advancing constitutional law, contributing to a more democratic and transparent public sphere. His tireless pursuit of democratic values has strengthened the foundations of our society.
[Image: The award certificate and the Federal Cross of Merit 1st Class in recognition of special services. Image source: Senate Press Office]
Prof. Dr. Rinken's lifelong dedication to education and self-development, specifically in the field of legal academics and personal growth, has been evident throughout his distinguished career. His impact on Bremen's state constitutional law, as well as his influential scholarly work, have significantly contributed to a more democratic and transparent public sphere, promoting continuous personal and societal development.
