Pleitbezorger

Pleitbezorger is a Dutch term that refers to a person authorized to plead a case in court on behalf of a client. The role is largely historical, and in modern Dutch and Flemish legal practice the function is typically fulfilled by an advocaat (lawyer) rather than by someone specifically called a pleitbezorger.

Historical context and function

Historically, a pleitbezorger could be appointed by a client to present arguments, examine witnesses, and submit pleadings before judges in various courts. The position existed within a broader spectrum of legal professionals, including notaries and clerks, and its precise duties could vary by region and period. The pleitbezorger acted as the advocate for the client in proceedings, distinct from roles such as the prosecutor or the judge.

Transition to modern terminology

With the development of formal legal education and professionalization of the legal field, the designation pleitbezorger faded from common use. The contemporary Dutch-speaking legal system uses advocaat as the standard term for a court lawyer who represents clients in civil and criminal cases. In some historical discussions, the term pleitbezorger is retained to describe earlier practices before the modern structure of legal professions was established.

Contemporary relevance

Today, pleitbezorger appears mainly in historical legal texts, studies of procedural history, or discussions of the evolution of the legal profession in the Netherlands and Flanders. It is not a practicing title in current law, but it helps explain how legal representation in court has evolved over time.

See also: Advocaat, Proctor, Procurator, Notary.