Tussenkomsten

Tussenkomsten is a Dutch legal term referring to the act of a third party entering an ongoing dispute to protect their own rights or interests, or to assist the court in reaching a correct decision. The concept is most commonly discussed in the context of civil procedure, but it can appear in other legal procedures as well. The term derives from between and coming, signaling the intrusion of an outside party into the case.

In civil proceedings, a person or entity that wishes to intervene must usually apply to the court for permission. The court will assess whether the intervenor has a direct and existing interest in the dispute and whether their participation would be useful to the proper resolution of the case. If the court grants the intervention, the intervenor generally gains party status and may submit pleadings, present evidence, and participate in hearings. The exact rights and procedures for an intervenor depend on the jurisdiction and the rules of the court.

Interventions can serve various purposes, such as protecting a financial stake, safeguarding a statutory interest, or ensuring that a related legal issue is adequately considered. In some systems, interventions are discretionary, while in others they may be required to allow certain interested parties to participate.

See also: Interventie (rechtspraak).