Samenzitting

Samenzitting is a term used in Dutch-language contexts to denote a joint sitting of two or more deliberative bodies, most commonly a joint sitting of a bicameral legislature. The term is often spelled samenzitting, with samenzitting appearing as a variant in some texts. In a samenzitting, the two chambers convene in a single chamber or meeting hall, allowing them to deliberate and/or hear messages and reports collectively rather than in separate chamber debates.

Etymology and scope

The word derives from samen- meaning “together” and zitting meaning “sitting” or “session.” It is used to describe occasions where members of different chambers meet as one, typically for special purposes that concern both bodies or the legislature as a whole. While most parliamentary activity takes place in separate sessions of each chamber, samenzittingen are invoked for joint considerations, ceremonial addresses, or emergency or constitutional occasions.

Procedural aspects

The exact rules of a samenzitting are determined by the constitution or rules of procedure of the relevant parliament. A chair is designated to preside, and procedures for speaking, voting, and quorum are adapted to the joint format. In practice, a samenzitting may retain elements of both chambers’ procedures, or follow a simplified joint framework depending on the purpose and time constraints.

Context and usage

The term is used in Dutch-speaking regions and may appear in historical or constitutional documents, academic discussions, and parliamentary records. Because spelling varies, some sources prefer samenzitting as the standard form, while samenzitting is encountered as an alternate variant. See also: parliamentary procedure, joint session, bicameralism.