diff --git a/scm-core/src/main/java/sonia/scm/util/AssertUtil.java b/scm-core/src/main/java/sonia/scm/util/AssertUtil.java
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c9d9e71ea3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scm-core/src/main/java/sonia/scm/util/AssertUtil.java
@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+/*
+ * To change this template, choose Tools | Templates
+ * and open the template in the editor.
+ */
+
+
+
+package sonia.scm.util;
+
+//~--- JDK imports ------------------------------------------------------------
+
+import java.util.Collection;
+
+/**
+ *
+ * @author Sebastian Sdorra
+ */
+public class AssertUtil
+{
+
+  /**
+   * Method description
+   *
+   *
+   * @param value
+   */
+  public static void assertIsNotEmpty(String value)
+  {
+    if (Util.isEmpty(value))
+    {
+      throw new IllegalStateException("value is empty");
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Method description
+   *
+   *
+   * @param array
+   */
+  public static void assertIsNotEmpty(Object[] array)
+  {
+    if (Util.isEmpty(array))
+    {
+      throw new IllegalStateException("array is empty");
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Method description
+   *
+   *
+   * @param collection
+   */
+  public static void assertIsNotEmpty(Collection<?> collection)
+  {
+    if (Util.isEmpty(collection))
+    {
+      throw new IllegalStateException("collection is empty");
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Method description
+   *
+   *
+   * @param object
+   */
+  public static void assertIsNotNull(Object object)
+  {
+    if (object == null)
+    {
+      throw new IllegalStateException("object is required");
+    }
+  }
+}