Partsforhør

Partsforhør is a legal procedure in some Scandinavian jurisdictions in which the parties to a case are questioned about the facts and claims they have put forward. The procedure is designed to clarify the evidence, resolve inconsistencies, and provide the court with a fuller understanding of the dispute. Partsforhør can occur in civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the case.

During partsforhør, the parties may be questioned by the judge, and they may also be questioned by the opposing party’s counsel. The process is typically conducted under oath or a formal affirmation, with the court ensuring that questions are relevant and that the proceedings remain orderly and fair. The aim is to extract factual details directly from the parties and to assess credibility, rather than to rely solely on statements made in pleadings or on witnesses.

Partsforhør is distinct from the examination of witnesses, which focuses on third-party testimony. In practice, the information obtained through partsforhør can influence the court’s evaluation of the case, affect the likelihood of settlement, and shape the eventual judgment or ruling. The procedure is governed by procedural rules that limit questions to relevant matters, protect privileged information, and prevent harassment or abuse.

Overall, partsforhør serves as a structured means of eliciting precise, firsthand information from the parties themselves, contributing to the accuracy and completeness of the evidentiary record.