getuigenverslagen

Getuigenverslagen are written records of statements given by witnesses in criminal or civil investigations and judicial proceedings in Dutch-speaking contexts. They are typically created during the investigative phase by police or public prosecutors and may be referred to as a proces-verbaal van getuigenverhoor, or as a formal witness statement in the case file. The term can also denote a consolidated report of a witness’s statements used in later stages of the proceedings.

A typical getuigenverslag includes basic information about the interview: who was interviewed, when and where it took place, the witness’s identity or role, and the questions asked along with the answers provided. It may present the exact words of the witness or provide a careful summary, and it usually notes any clarifications or corrections requested by the witness or the authorities. The document is usually signed or acknowledged by the witness and by the interviewing official.

Legal significance: Getuigenverslagen function as evidence within the case file and help establish the facts of the matter. They can be used in court to corroborate or challenge other testimony, and may be cited in decisions, pleadings, and appeals. The reliability and admissibility of the content depend on applicable procedural rules, including rights to legal counsel, protections against coercion, and considerations for vulnerable witnesses. As with any evidentiary document, there is a risk of misinterpretation or manipulation, underscoring the importance of accurate recording and, when possible, verbatim transcription.

Difference from related terms: The phrase is sometimes used interchangeably with getuigenverklaring or with proces-verbaal van getuigenverhoor, which is the official verbatim record of the witness examination. Getuigenverslagen can thus refer to the written output that accompanies or summarizes the testimony in the case file.