Bankzittingen

Bankzittingen is a Dutch-language term used to describe court sittings in which cases are heard before a bench of judges. The word combines bank, meaning the bench on which judges sit, and zitting, meaning a sitting or session. In practice, the phrase is used to refer to formal hearings in criminal and civil matters where the parties appear before the court.

Etymology and usage: The term reflects traditional courtroom imagery in which the judges occupy the “bank” at the front of the courtroom. While historically common in legal texts and journalism, bankzittingen is now more often replaced in official language by zitting or rechtszitting. The expression is more frequently encountered in regional, historical, or informal contexts than in modern procedural manuals.

Procedure and characteristics: A typical bankzitting involves the presiding judge or panel, a public prosecutor, defense counsel, and the defendant or plaintiff. The session opens with the charges or claims being stated, followed by the presentation of evidence, witness examination, and the opportunity for defense and closing arguments. After deliberation, the court announces its verdict, and, if applicable, a sentence or disposition. In many jurisdictions, bankzittingen are open to the public and may be subject to procedural rules on evidence, rights of the defense, and appellate review.

Regional and contemporary status: The term remains primarily a historical or regional variant in Dutch-speaking jurisdictions. In everyday contemporary law practice, speakers more often use zitting or rechtszitting to designate court hearings. Bankzittingen thus function as a reference to traditional courtroom practice rather than a current formal designation.