kohtukutse

Kohtukutse is a formal court document that informs a person that they are required to appear before a court or to provide evidence in a legal proceeding. It is a procedural instrument used to ensure that parties receive proper notice and can participate in the proceedings. The term combines the Estonian words for court (koht) and invitation or call (kutse).

A typical kohtukutse includes essential information such as the case number, the name and address of the recipient, the court handling the case, the date, time and location of the appearance, and the purpose of the appearance or the evidence to be submitted. It may also state the rights of the recipient, deadlines for compliance, and the consequences of non-attendance.

Service of the kohtukutse is usually carried out by an official process server or bailiff and can be effected by personal delivery, postal service, or electronic means, depending on the applicable law. The document is considered effective upon proper service, after which the recipient has a specified period to respond or appear.

In practice, a kohtukutse applies in civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings. Non-attendance can lead to sanctions or alternative procedural steps, such as a judgment in absentia or enforcement actions, depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the case. Recipients typically have the right to seek advice from counsel, request a rescheduled date if there are valid reasons, and challenge the case within the established time limits. In Estonia, the term and its procedures are part of the framework of the civil and criminal procedure laws.