[Animal protection as a constitutional principle--effects on the legislation, the administration and the judiciary].

The latest amendment of Art. 20a GG dates from August 1st 2002. With this amendment the moral thought of animal protection has become a constitutional principle. The following text tries to explain the consequences of this amendment for the legislation, the administration and the jurisdiction in Germany. It ist to be expected that the new Art. 20 a GG will not lead to an expansion of specific legislation. However, the powers of administration and jurisdiction might be strengthened, especially as far as the freedom of research, the freedom of science and the religious freedom are concerned.