Do I have to speak in a Dutch court room?

Going to court in the Netherlands can be a nerve-racking experience – especially for expats who may not fully understand how the procedure works.  

One common worry is: Will I have to speak? And if so, when and how? 

The short answer is: yes, you may be asked to speak – but you will not be left on your own. 

No fixed script – the judge sets the tone 

Unlike in some other countries, there is no strict or standard order in which a Dutch court hearing unfolds. The structure of the hearing is largely up to the judge’s style and the type of case. That’s also why lawyers often prepare for several different scenarios – because they can’t always predict exactly how the hearing will go. 

That said, most hearings follow a similar general outline: 

• The judge starts the session, checks who is present, and introduces everyone in the room. 

• The judge may ask whether everyone has received the same documents. 

• In some cases, the judge will summarise the case briefly to make sure everyone is on the same page. In others, they may skip this and move straight into questions or opening statements. 

• Sometimes, the lawyers speak first. Other times, the judge begins by asking direct questions to the parties involved. 

Purpose of the hearing

A court hearing serves two main purposes:

• Clarifying anything that remains unclear after reviewing the written documents.

• Ensuring that all parties have had the opportunity to be heard.

While the judge leads the hearing, they are also required to listen carefully. You may be addressed directly and asked to share your perspective or respond to statements made by the other party.

What if I get nervous or overwhelmed? 

Many people find speaking in court to be highly stressful – and that is completely normal. Some people shut down and go blank. Others start talking too much. Some forget half of the things they wanted to say. Judges and legal professionals are well aware of this. 

You’re not alone – your lawyer will guide you 

If you are represented by a lawyer, they are there to support and guide you throughout the hearing. If you forget to mention something important, or if something needs to be clarified or rephrased, your lawyer can step in. 

It is quite common for a lawyer to say: 

• “May I add something to what my client just said?” 

• “May I clarify what my client meant earlier?” 

• “There is one matter that has not been addressed yet.” 

This is not unusual or inappropriate – it is a standard part of making sure your story is fully understood. 

Conclusion 

In a Dutch courtroom, you may be asked to speak, but you won’t be left to figure it out on your own. There is no rigid script – the judge sets the order based on the case and their own style. The most important thing is that the judge gets the full picture and that you feel heard. If you’re nervous or overwhelmed, know that your lawyer and the judge are there to guide the process – and that it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit lost. You don’t have to get it exactly right. You just have to show up and speak as best you can – the rest will follow. 

 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not legally binding. Although we strive for accuracy, the content may contain errors. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know by contacting us via the contact form located at the bottom of the page.

Picture : Created by Sora/ ChatGPT