Rechter

Rechter is a Dutch term primarily used to denote a judge, the person who presides over a court and applies the law in civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings. A rechter interprets statutes, weighs evidence, and ensures due process during trials or hearings. The word is used across Dutch-speaking regions, where the judiciary is designed to operate independently from political influence.

The duties of a rechter vary by country and court level, but generally include ruling on questions of law, assessing evidence, and delivering judgments. In many jurisdictions a rechter may hear witnesses, determine admissibility of evidence, and issue sentences or final rulings. Senior judges can serve on appellate panels or in specialized courts.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from Old Dutch from the root recht, meaning law or justice, and is cognate with related terms in other Germanic languages. In addition to the occupation, the noun appears in legal literature and in expressions such as rechtspraak, referring to the judiciary or judicial system. In some contexts, rechter also appears as a surname.

Notes: In non-Dutch contexts, the word might have different meanings or be encountered as a surname. This article focuses on the Dutch usage and the concept of the judicial office within the Dutch-speaking world.