kantongerecht

Kantongerecht is a term used in Dutch-language discourse to describe informal, small-scale, or expedient judicial mechanisms. It is not an official designation within any modern national judiciary, but rather a label sometimes applied by media, scholars, or commentators to characterize certain courts or processes perceived as convenient or accelerated for resolving minor disputes.

The literal translation is "pocket court," a metaphor drawn from the idea of a court that is easily accessible, portable in time and cost, and capable of delivering quick losses or wins for parties with modest claims. In practice, the expression can refer to a range of arrangements, from informal tribunals or private arbitration panels to the fastest strands of public court procedures designed to reduce delays and costs for small matters. Because kantongerechten are not standardized across jurisdictions, their exact procedures, safeguards, and authority vary widely and are often a matter of debate.

Critics of the concept argue that such mechanisms can undermine due process, transparency, and independence by prioritizing speed and low cost over thorough judicial consideration. Proponents may view them as practical tools to increase access to justice for ordinary people, provided appropriate checks and clear boundaries exist. The term remains a rhetorical and descriptive label rather than an official category, and it is used primarily in commentary to discuss accessibility, efficiency, and legitimacy in dispute resolution.

Related concepts include kangaroo court, fast-track courts, and small claims courts.