The German legal system is based on civil law, primarily derived from written statutes and codes. The most important legal document is the Basic Law (Grundgesetz), which serves as the constitution. Courts interpret these laws, and the system is characterized by a clear hierarchy, with the Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht) at the top. In Germany, legal proceedings are typically conducted by professional judges rather than juries. The system emphasizes the role of legal scholars and practitioners in shaping the law. Additionally, there are specialized courts, such as administrative courts and labor courts, to handle specific types of cases.