intervenientes

Intervenientes is a legal term used in civil procedure to designate persons or entities that join an ongoing case to protect their own rights or interests, or to assist the court in resolving the dispute. An intervenor is not initially a plaintiff or a defendant, but gains standing because the outcome of the case could directly affect them or because they have a legitimate interest to participate.

There are various forms of intervention, depending on the jurisdiction. Commonly, voluntary intervention allows a person with a direct stake to petition the court for admission to the proceedings. Third-party intervention involves someone who may be affected by the outcome and seeks to join the case to safeguard their rights or interests. In some systems, additional varieties exist, such as adhesion or groups joining under common interests, but the exact categories and terminology vary.

To intervene, a person must typically demonstrate standing or a direct and legitimate interest, show that participation will not unduly complicate proceedings, and comply with procedural deadlines and admissibility criteria. Once admitted, intervenors can file motions, present evidence, call witnesses, and participate in hearings, subject to procedural rules. They may be bound by the judgment or by aspects of the decision that concern them, depending on the scope of their involvement.

Jurisdictional differences exist in the procedure for admitting intervenors and the scope of their rights. Despite variations, the concept generally aims to ensure that all interested parties have an opportunity to be heard and that the court can render a more informed and comprehensive decision.