Hoorzitting

Hoorzitting is a formal hearing conducted by a public or judicial body to collect information, testimonies, or expert opinions. The term combines Dutch terms for hearing and sitting, reflecting its function as an official session where facts are gathered rather than decided. Hoorzittingen are commonly held by parliamentary committees, administrative agencies, and, in some contexts, by courts during investigations or preparatory phases.

In practice, a hoorzitting involves witnesses, experts, or stakeholders who provide statements or answer questions from members of the body presiding over the session. Participants may be sworn in or affirmed to tell the truth, and proceedings are typically recorded in a transcript or minutes. Sessions can be public, allowing public access and media coverage, or closed, depending on legal rules and the subject matter.

The objectives of a hoorzitting include clarifying facts, eliciting expert input, and gathering evidence to inform decision-making, policy development, or oversight. It serves as a mechanism for transparency and accountability, enabling decision-makers to consider diverse viewpoints before reaching conclusions, issuing recommendations, or taking action. In parliamentary contexts, hoorzittingen help shape investigations, reports, and legislative or administrative measures. In judicial or quasi-judicial settings, they may function as part of the evidence-gathering process that precedes rulings.

Key features often include the formal agenda, order of questions, rights to counsel or representation, and strict procedural rules governing admissible testimony and the handling of documents. Overall, a hoorzitting is a structured, public-facing tool for fact-finding within formal governance or legal processes.