This is from the German Grundgesetz. You could translate it as "The Arts and the Sciences are free, in practice and in teaching." It's from the section where

This is from the German Grundgesetz. You could translate it as "The Arts and the Sciences are free, in practice and in teaching." It's from the section where the constitution defines what the fundamental rights are, it's on the same level as freedom of conscience or freedom of expression. These rights are only constrained by other constitutional rights. Research on human subjects might affect human dignity, you can't do that, but copyright isn't on that level. The High Court defined science as a sustained, methodical effort in pursuit of truth. It's not confined to universities, companies and hobbyists count. That's how German courts read their constitution.