kohtuistung

Kohtuistung is the Estonian term for a court hearing or court session. It is a formal stage in a judicial process during which the facts of a case are presented and examined, evidence is admitted, and arguments between the parties are heard. In criminal cases a public prosecutor participates; in civil cases the plaintiff and defendant (and their legal representatives) present their positions. A judge or a panel of judges presides, and a court clerk records the proceedings. Witnesses may be called and examined, and questioning may occur as part of the process. The hearing aims to ensure a fair opportunity for each side to present their case.

The hearing typically takes place in a courtroom and is generally open to the public, subject to exceptions provided by law. It forms the core of the trial, after which the judge or panel deliberates and renders a verdict or judgment. The decision may be subject to appeal within prescribed time limits.

In Estonia, the term kohtuistung is also used in media contexts to refer to broadcasts or programs that present real court proceedings to educate the public about the legal process. Such uses emphasize transparency and public understanding of the judiciary, illustrating how trials are conducted and how legal arguments are developed.