 Initially, each conscientious objectors had to appear in person to a panel hearing at the draft office (or contest a negative decision at the administrative court).The suspension of the procedure (1977), allowing to "object with a post card", was ruled unconstitutional in 1978.Beginning in 1983, competence was shifted to the "Kreiswehrersatzamt" (military replacement office), which had discretion to either approve or reject a conscientious objection, which had to consist of a detailed written statement by an applicant giving reasons as to why the applicant was conscientiously objecting.