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Since the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany on 8 May 1949 a new constitution is valid. It is called the constitution law. In it the basic rules of coexistence in Germany are described that must be respected in any case. Whoever violates the rules, behaves unconstitutional and with that commits an offense that can impose heavy penalties. The Basic Law is the protection of human rights and secures the fundamental freedoms of the people. The articles of the Basic Law are to be understood in descending order. For example, the right of human dignity prevail over the right to freedom of the press. The following are the contents of the articles in a basic form.

Article 1 Right to Human Dignity
The dignity of man is inviolable. The German state is obliged to protect it with all state authority.

Article 2 Right to Self Determination
Everyone has the right to live in whatever way he likes as long as he does not violate the rights of others. Everyone has a right of live, freedom and physical integrity.

Article 3 Right to Equal Treatment
The law treats all people equally. Gender, origin, age, religion and language may play no role and no one shall suffer prejudice.

Article 4 Right to Freedom of Religion
Everyone has the right to believe in what he wants and freely practise their religion, as long as the rights of others are not disturbed.

Article 5 Right to Freedom of Expression
Everyone may freely express his views in Germany without fear of punishment. The press must not be censored but should be allowed to freely report on everything. Also art, science, research and teaching must not be censored.

Article 6 Integrity of the Family
Families and children enjoy special protection. No child shall be taken out of the family against the wishes of the parents, as long as it is not in danger. Illegitimate children have the same rights as children born in a marriage. Mothers have a right to ask society for protection and care if needed.

Article 7 Right to Education
The school education is the responsibility of the state. Every child in the appropriate age must attend a public or state-recognized school.

Article 8 Freedom of Assembly
Everyone has the right to gather for any reason as long as they are peacefully and unarmed.

Article 10 Postal Secrecy
The privacy of letters, posts and telecommunications must not be broken. That means, nobody not even the Police is allowed to open your post or listen to your phone calls. This law can only be bypassed in case of a serious threat for Society.

Article 12 Free Choice of Employment
Everyone has the right to learn the profession and practice he wants. Forced labour is strictly prohibited.

Article 12a Military Service
Men over age 18 are required to serve in the army. Alternatively, can be performed a community service, for example, in the care of elderly or disabled people. The training in the army is currently voluntary.

Article 13 Inviolability of the Home
The own home is a safe space in which no one may enter without permission. The police may break this rule only if there is a danger or someone has committed a very serious crime.

Article 14 Protection of Property
Heritage and property of a person are protected from others. Only if it is absolutely necessary for the sake of society can take place expropriation against compensation.

Article 16a Right of Asylum
Those who are haunted by a party or a government have a right to asylum. Those who are haunted by a grouping, for example, the IS, has not a right to asylum but may nevertheless be recognized as a refugee, when his life is threatened.