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Legal glossary

The terms of Belgian civil procedure and court organisation, side by side in Dutch, French and German (the official terms) and English (a description), each explained in plain words with its article.

80 of 80 terms

A

  • en

    appeal

    nl
    hoger beroep
    fr
    appel
    de
    Berufung

    A remedy by which a higher court looks at the case again. In civil cases within one month of service of the judgment.

    RemediesLegal basis: art. 1050–1051 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Procedural deadlinesCourts explained
  • en

    appeal in cassation

    nl
    cassatieberoep
    fr
    pourvoi en cassation
    de
    Kassationsbeschwerde

    An appeal to the Court of Cassation against a decision of last instance, on points of law only. In civil cases within three months of service, signed by a lawyer admitted to the Court of Cassation.

    RemediesLegal basis: art. 1073 and 1080 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Procedural deadlines
  • en

    appellant

    nl
    appellant
    fr
    appelant
    de
    Berufungskläger

    The party who appeals against a judgment.

    PeopleIn CourtFull:Procedural deadlines
  • en

    application on notice

    nl
    verzoekschrift op tegenspraak
    fr
    requête contradictoire
    de
    kontradiktorischer Antrag(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    A written application filed at the registry; the registry calls the parties by judicial letter. Only where the law allows it, for example in rent or family matters.

    DocumentsLegal basis: art. 1034bis Judicial Code
  • en

    attachment (seizure)

    nl
    beslag
    fr
    saisie
    de
    Pfändung

    A debtor’s goods or money are frozen (protective attachment) or sold to pay the creditor (enforcement attachment). A judicial officer carries it out.

    Procedure
  • en

    attachment judge

    nl
    beslagrechter
    fr
    juge des saisies
    de
    Pfändungsrichter

    A judge of the court of first instance for disputes about attachments and the forced enforcement of judgments.

    PeopleLegal basis: art. 1395 Judicial Code

B

  • en

    bailiff's writ

    nl
    exploot
    fr
    exploit
    de
    Gerichtsvollzieherurkunde(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    Any document drawn up and served by a judicial officer, such as a summons, a demand for payment or an attachment.

    Documents

C

  • en

    claimant (plaintiff)

    nl
    eiser
    fr
    demandeur
    de
    Kläger

    The party who starts the proceedings and asks the court for something.

    People
  • en

    collective debt settlement

    nl
    collectieve schuldenregeling
    fr
    règlement collectif de dettes
    de
    kollektive Schuldenregelung

    A procedure for people who lastingly cannot pay their debts: a debt mediator draws up a repayment plan. The application goes to the labour court.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 1675/2 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Courts explained: Labour court
  • en

    conciliation

    nl
    minnelijke schikking (verzoening)
    fr
    conciliation
    de
    Schlichtung(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    The parties can ask the court to reconcile them, before or during proceedings. An agreement is recorded in minutes that are enforceable like a judgment.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 731–733 Judicial Code
  • en

    Constitutional Court

    nl
    Grondwettelijk Hof
    fr
    Cour constitutionnelle
    de
    Verfassungsgerichtshof

    Reviews statutes, decrees and ordinances against the Constitution, including fundamental rights, and the division of powers. A court can refer a preliminary question to it.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 142 Constitution
  • en

    contribution to the legal aid fund

    nl
    bijdrage aan het Fonds voor juridische tweedelijnsbijstand
    fr
    contribution au Fonds budgétaire relatif à l'aide juridique de deuxième ligne
    de
    Beitrag zum Haushaltsfonds für den weiterführenden juristischen Beistand(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    A fixed amount per case brought, to help fund legal aid lawyers. It is part of the costs: the judgment decides who bears it.

    CostsLegal basis: art. 4 Law of 19 March 2017; art. 1018, 8° Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Court costs
  • en

    Council of State

    nl
    Raad van State
    fr
    Conseil d'État
    de
    Staatsrat

    The highest administrative court: it can suspend and annul decisions of the authorities. It also advises on draft statutes and decrees.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 160 Constitution
  • en

    counterclaim

    nl
    tegenvordering
    fr
    demande reconventionnelle
    de
    Widerklage

    A claim by the defendant against the claimant in the same proceedings.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 14 Judicial Code
  • en

    court clerk

    nl
    griffier
    fr
    greffier
    de
    Greffier

    Assists the judge at the hearing, keeps the case file and co-signs judgments and records.

    People
  • en

    court of appeal

    nl
    hof van beroep
    fr
    cour d'appel
    de
    Appellationshof

    Hears appeals against judgments of the court of first instance and the enterprise court. There are five: Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent, Liège and Mons.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 602 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Courts explained: Court of appeal
  • en

    court of assize

    nl
    hof van assisen
    fr
    cour d'assises
    de
    Assisenhof

    A non-permanent criminal court per province (and for Brussels) with a jury of twelve citizens, for the most serious crimes.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 150 ConstitutionIn CourtFull:Courts explained: Court of assize
  • en

    Court of Cassation

    nl
    Hof van Cassatie
    fr
    Cour de cassation
    de
    Kassationshof

    The highest court of the judiciary, in Brussels. It does not judge the facts again, only whether the law was applied correctly and the procedural rules respected.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 608 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Procedural deadlines
  • en

    court of first instance

    nl
    rechtbank van eerste aanleg
    fr
    tribunal de première instance
    de
    Gericht Erster Instanz

    The general court of the judicial district, with among others a civil, a criminal and a family and youth section. It hears everything not given to another court, and appeals against judgments of the justice of the peace and the police court.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 568 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Courts explained: Court of first instanceMap
  • en

    court registration fee

    nl
    rolrecht
    fr
    droit de mise au rôle
    de
    Eintragungsgebühr(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    A flat tax per case for entering it on the court list; the amount depends on the court. It is part of the costs, in principle borne by the losing party.

    CostsLegal basis: art. 269¹ Registration CodeIn CourtFull:Court costs
  • en

    court registry

    nl
    griffie
    fr
    greffe
    de
    Kanzlei

    The office of a court: where documents are filed, copies are requested and the case file is kept.

    Courts
  • en

    court-appointed expert

    nl
    deskundige
    fr
    expert
    de
    Sachverständiger

    A specialist (doctor, architect, accountant…) appointed by the court to make findings and give a technical opinion. The court need not follow it.

    PeopleLegal basis: art. 962 Judicial Code
  • en

    criminal court (correctional court)

    nl
    correctionele rechtbank
    fr
    tribunal correctionnel
    de
    Korrektionalgericht

    A section of the court of first instance that tries mid-level offences (délits), such as theft, fraud or assault.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 179 Code of Criminal Procedure
  • en

    cross-appeal

    nl
    incidenteel beroep
    fr
    appel incident
    de
    Anschlussberufung(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    The appeal the respondent brings against the same judgment in response to the main appeal. It can be brought even after the ordinary appeal period.

    RemediesLegal basis: art. 1054 Judicial Code
  • en

    Crown prosecutor

    nl
    procureur des Konings
    fr
    procureur du Roi
    de
    Prokurator des Königs

    Heads the public prosecution service in a judicial district: prosecutes offences and can give an opinion in civil cases.

    People

D

  • en

    default (non-appearance)

    nl
    verstek
    fr
    défaut
    de
    Versäumnis

    A party who does not appear can be ordered to pay in a default judgment. The court then grants the claim unless it is contrary to public policy.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 802–806 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Procedural deadlines
  • en

    defendant

    nl
    verweerder
    fr
    défendeur
    de
    Beklagter

    The party against whom the proceedings are brought.

    People
  • en

    division

    nl
    afdeling
    fr
    division
    de
    Abteilung

    A court can be split into divisions in different places. Which division hears your case depends on the address and the kind of case.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 186 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Map

E

  • en

    enforceable title

    nl
    uitvoerbare titel
    fr
    titre exécutoire
    de
    vollstreckbarer Titel(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    A document that allows forced enforcement, such as a judgment with the enforcement formula or a notarial deed. No enforcement attachment without one.

    DocumentsLegal basis: art. 1494 Judicial Code
  • en

    enforcement attachment

    nl
    uitvoerend beslag
    fr
    saisie-exécution
    de
    Vollstreckungspfändung(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    Attachment to sell goods and pay the creditor from the proceeds; only on the basis of an enforceable title.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 1494 Judicial Code
  • en

    enterprise court

    nl
    ondernemingsrechtbank
    fr
    tribunal de l'entreprise
    de
    Unternehmensgericht

    Hears disputes between enterprises, whatever the amount, and bankruptcies and judicial reorganisations. Formerly the commercial court.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 573–574 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Courts explained: Enterprise court
  • en

    ex parte application

    nl
    eenzijdig verzoekschrift
    fr
    requête unilatérale
    de
    einseitiger Antrag(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    An application to the court without an opposing party, or without hearing it in case of absolute necessity, for example to allow a protective attachment.

    DocumentsLegal basis: art. 1025 Judicial Code

F

  • en

    family court

    nl
    familierechtbank
    fr
    tribunal de la famille
    de
    Familiengericht

    A section of the court of first instance for family matters: divorce, maintenance, where the children live, and inheritance.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 572bis Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Courts explained: Court of first instance
  • en

    finality (res judicata)

    nl
    kracht van gewijsde
    fr
    force de chose jugée
    de
    Rechtskraft(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    A decision becomes final once it can no longer be challenged by opposition or appeal.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 28 Judicial Code
  • en

    formal notice (letter of demand)

    nl
    ingebrekestelling
    fr
    mise en demeure
    de
    Inverzugsetzung

    A written demand to the debtor to perform their obligation. It often starts late-payment interest running and usually comes before proceedings.

    DocumentsIn CourtFull:Interest calculator

I

  • en

    introductory hearing

    nl
    inleidende zitting
    fr
    audience d'introduction
    de
    Einleitungssitzung(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    The first hearing, named in the summons. Simple cases can be argued at once (brief debates); otherwise time limits for submissions are set or the case is adjourned.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 735 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Procedural deadlinesCourt calendar

J

  • en

    judge

    nl
    rechter
    fr
    juge
    de
    Richter

    A magistrate who decides the dispute, independently and impartially.

    People
  • en

    judgment

    nl
    vonnis
    fr
    jugement
    de
    Urteil

    The decision of a lower court: justice of the peace, police court, court of first instance, enterprise or labour court.

    Documents
  • en

    judgment of a higher court

    nl
    arrest
    fr
    arrêt
    de
    Entscheid

    The decision of a higher court: court of appeal, labour court of appeal, Court of Cassation or court of assize.

    Documents
  • en

    judicial canton

    nl
    gerechtelijk kanton
    fr
    canton judiciaire
    de
    Gerichtskanton

    The smallest judicial area: one or more municipalities, or part of a city, each with its own justice of the peace. The canton of an address decides which justice of the peace has jurisdiction.

    CourtsIn CourtFull:MapMunicipalities
  • en

    judicial district

    nl
    gerechtelijk arrondissement
    fr
    arrondissement judiciaire
    de
    Gerichtsbezirk

    The area of a court of first instance. Since 2014 there are twelve, mostly one per province.

    CourtsIn CourtFull:MunicipalitiesMap
  • en

    judicial letter

    nl
    gerechtsbrief
    fr
    pli judiciaire
    de
    Gerichtsbrief

    A letter from the registry that calls the parties to a hearing or notifies a decision.

    DocumentsLegal basis: art. 46 Judicial Code
  • en

    judicial officer (bailiff)

    nl
    gerechtsdeurwaarder
    fr
    huissier de justice
    de
    Gerichtsvollzieher

    A public officer who serves summonses and judgments and enforces judgments, for example by attachment.

    PeopleIn CourtFull:Bailiff's roundCourt costs
  • en

    judicial vacation

    nl
    gerechtelijk verlof
    fr
    vacances judiciaires
    de
    Gerichtsferien

    From 1 July to 31 August, with fewer hearings. A time limit for appeal or opposition that starts and ends in that period runs until 15 September.

    Time limitsLegal basis: art. 334 and 50 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Court calendarProcedural deadlines
  • en

    justice of the peace

    nl
    vrederechter
    fr
    juge de paix
    de
    Friedensrichter

    The judge of the justice of the peace court, who often first tries to reconcile the parties.

    PeopleIn CourtFull:Courts explained: Justice of the peaceMap
  • en

    justice of the peace (court)

    nl
    vredegerecht
    fr
    justice de paix
    de
    Friedensgericht

    The court closest to citizens, one per judicial canton. It hears disputes up to €5,000 and, whatever the amount, among others rent, neighbour disputes and protective measures for adults.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 590–591 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Courts explained: Justice of the peaceMap

L

  • en

    labour court

    nl
    arbeidsrechtbank
    fr
    tribunal du travail
    de
    Arbeitsgericht

    Hears disputes about employment contracts, social security (unemployment, sickness, pensions…) and collective debt settlement.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 578–583 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Courts explained: Labour court
  • en

    labour court of appeal

    nl
    arbeidshof
    fr
    cour du travail
    de
    Arbeitsgerichtshof

    Hears appeals against judgments of the labour court; there is one in each city with a court of appeal.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 607 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Courts explained: Labour court of appeal
  • en

    lawyer

    nl
    advocaat
    fr
    avocat
    de
    Rechtsanwalt

    Advises and defends parties. With exceptions, only lawyers may plead, but before most courts you may also appear in person.

    PeopleLegal basis: art. 440 Judicial Code
  • en

    legal assistance (court costs waiver)

    nl
    rechtsbijstand (kosteloze)
    fr
    assistance judiciaire
    de
    Gerichtskostenhilfe

    Exemption from court costs, such as the registration fee and bailiff fees, for people without sufficient income. You apply to the legal assistance office of the court.

    CostsLegal basis: art. 664 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Legal aid lawyerCourt costs
  • en

    legal costs

    nl
    gerechtskosten
    fr
    dépens
    de
    Gerichtskosten

    The costs of the proceedings, including the registration fee, bailiff and expert fees, and the procedural indemnity. The final judgment in principle orders the loser to bear them.

    CostsLegal basis: art. 1017–1018 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Court costs
  • en

    limitation period

    nl
    verjaring
    fr
    prescription
    de
    Verjährung

    After a certain time a right can no longer be enforced in court. The ordinary period for personal claims is ten years; many claims expire sooner.

    Time limitsLegal basis: art. 2262bis old Civil CodeIn CourtFull:Limitation periods

M

  • en

    mediation

    nl
    bemiddeling
    fr
    médiation
    de
    Mediation

    A confidential process with a neutral mediator to find a solution together. An agreement reached with an accredited mediator can be approved by the court.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 1723/1 Judicial Code

N

  • en

    notary

    nl
    notaris
    fr
    notaire
    de
    Notar

    A public officer who draws up authentic deeds, for example for the sale of a house, a marriage contract or an estate. A court can appoint a notary for a court-ordered division.

    People
  • en

    notification

    nl
    kennisgeving
    fr
    notification
    de
    Notifizierung

    Sending a document by post or electronically, often by the registry as a judicial letter. Sometimes a notification also starts a time limit; the law says when.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 32, 2° Judicial Code

O

  • en

    opposition (to a default judgment)

    nl
    verzet
    fr
    opposition
    de
    Einspruch

    The remedy of a party judged in default: the same court looks at the case again. In civil cases within one month of service.

    RemediesLegal basis: art. 1047–1048 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Procedural deadlines
  • en

    order

    nl
    beschikking
    fr
    ordonnance
    de
    Beschluss(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    A decision of the court on an application or in summary proceedings, or a measure that organises the case, such as the time limits for submissions.

    Documents

P

  • en

    party

    nl
    partij
    fr
    partie
    de
    Partei

    Whoever takes part in proceedings and is bound by the decision: the claimant, the defendant or an intervening party.

    People
  • en

    police court

    nl
    politierechtbank
    fr
    tribunal de police
    de
    Polizeigericht

    Hears minor offences, mostly traffic offences, and civil claims for damage from a traffic accident, whatever the amount.

    CourtsLegal basis: art. 601bis Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Courts explained: Police courtMap
  • en

    power of attorney (proxy)

    nl
    procuratie (volmacht)
    fr
    procuration
    de
    Vollmacht

    A written authority to represent someone in court. Before among others the justice of the peace and the labour court, a spouse or close relative may represent you this way, if the court accepts it.

    DocumentsLegal basis: art. 728 Judicial Code
  • en

    procedural indemnity

    nl
    rechtsplegingsvergoeding
    fr
    indemnité de procédure
    de
    Verfahrensentschädigung

    A flat-rate contribution to the winning party’s lawyer’s fees, paid by the loser. The amount depends on the value of the claim; the court sets it between a legal minimum and maximum.

    CostsLegal basis: art. 1022 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Court costs
  • en

    protective attachment

    nl
    bewarend beslag
    fr
    saisie conservatoire
    de
    Sicherungspfändung(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    Freezes goods so the debtor cannot make them disappear while awaiting a judgment. Requires urgency and a debt that is certain, due and liquid.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 1413–1415 Judicial Code
  • en

    provisionally enforceable

    nl
    uitvoerbaar bij voorraad
    fr
    exécutoire par provision
    de
    vorläufig vollstreckbar

    A judgment that can be enforced even while an appeal is pending. Since 2015 this is the rule for final civil judgments unless the court decides otherwise; default judgments follow other rules.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 1397 Judicial Code
  • en

    public prosecution service

    nl
    openbaar ministerie
    fr
    ministère public
    de
    Staatsanwaltschaft

    The magistrates who defend the public interest: they prosecute offences and in some civil cases give the court an opinion.

    People

R

  • en

    recusal (challenge to a judge)

    nl
    wraking
    fr
    récusation
    de
    Ablehnung(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    A request to replace a judge because there is legitimate doubt about their impartiality.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 828 Judicial Code
  • en

    respondent

    nl
    geïntimeerde
    fr
    intimé
    de
    Berufungsbeklagter

    The party against whom an appeal is brought.

    People

S

  • en

    second-line legal aid (legal aid lawyer)

    nl
    juridische tweedelijnsbijstand (pro deo)
    fr
    aide juridique de deuxième ligne (pro deo)
    de
    weiterführender juristischer Beistand

    A free or partly free lawyer for people without sufficient income. Apply to the legal aid office of the bar.

    CostsLegal basis: art. 508/1 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Legal aid lawyerCourt costs
  • en

    service (by bailiff)

    nl
    betekening
    fr
    signification
    de
    Zustellung

    Delivery of a document by a judicial officer. Service of a judgment starts the time limits for opposition and appeal.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 32, 1° Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Procedural deadlines
  • en

    statutory interest

    nl
    wettelijke interest
    fr
    intérêt légal
    de
    gesetzliche Zinsen(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    The interest rate set each year that applies unless the parties agreed otherwise, for example on a debt after formal notice or on an amount awarded by the court.

    CostsLegal basis: Law of 5 May 1865In CourtFull:Interest calculator
  • en

    subject-matter jurisdiction

    nl
    materiële bevoegdheid
    fr
    compétence matérielle
    de
    sachliche Zuständigkeit(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    Which kind of court has jurisdiction by subject and amount: justice of the peace, labour court, enterprise court…

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 9 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Courts explainedMap
  • en

    summary proceedings

    nl
    kort geding
    fr
    référé
    de
    Eilverfahren

    A fast procedure before the president of the court for urgent matters. The decision is provisional and does not decide the merits.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 584 and 1035 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Procedural deadlines
  • en

    summons period

    nl
    termijn van dagvaarding
    fr
    délai de citation
    de
    Ladungsfrist(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    The minimum time between service of the summons and the hearing: eight days, two days in summary proceedings, and longer if the defendant lives abroad.

    Time limitsLegal basis: art. 707, 1035 and 55 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Procedural deadlines

T

  • en

    territorial jurisdiction

    nl
    territoriale bevoegdheid
    fr
    compétence territoriale
    de
    örtliche Zuständigkeit

    Which court of a given kind has jurisdiction by place: usually that of the defendant’s domicile, sometimes another place, such as where the obligation is to be performed.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 622–638 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:MapMunicipalities
  • en

    third-party opposition

    nl
    derdenverzet
    fr
    tierce opposition
    de
    Drittwiderspruch(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    A remedy for someone who was not a party but whose rights are harmed by a decision.

    RemediesLegal basis: art. 1122 Judicial Code
  • en

    time limit

    nl
    termijn
    fr
    délai
    de
    Frist

    A period within which something must be done. The day of the act is not counted; a last day on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday moves to the next working day.

    Time limitsLegal basis: art. 52–53 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Procedural deadlines

V

  • en

    voluntary appearance

    nl
    vrijwillige verschijning
    fr
    comparution volontaire
    de
    freiwilliges Erscheinen(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    The parties can bring a case before the court together without a summons, by a joint application.

    ProcedureLegal basis: art. 706 Judicial Code

W

  • en

    witness

    nl
    getuige
    fr
    témoin
    de
    Zeuge

    Someone who states under oath what they saw or heard themselves. In civil cases the court orders a hearing of witnesses for it.

    PeopleLegal basis: art. 915 Judicial Code
  • en

    writ of summons

    nl
    dagvaarding
    fr
    citation
    de
    Ladung

    A document served by a judicial officer calling the other party to appear before the court on a given day; the ordinary way to start a case. At least eight days must lie between service and the hearing.

    DocumentsLegal basis: art. 43, 700 and 707 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Procedural deadlinesCourt costs
  • en

    written submissions

    nl
    conclusie
    fr
    conclusions
    de
    Schlussanträge(check) This German term is not certainly the official Belgian one: check it.

    The document in which a party sets out its arguments and claims. The court sets time limits; submissions filed late are in principle disregarded.

    DocumentsLegal basis: art. 742–748 Judicial CodeIn CourtFull:Conclusion schedule

Y

  • en

    youth court

    nl
    jeugdrechtbank
    fr
    tribunal de la jeunesse
    de
    Jugendgericht

    A section of the court of first instance for minors: those at risk and those who commit an act that would be an offence.

    Courts

General explanation, not legal advice: exceptions exist. The English terms are descriptions, not official translations. Articles of the Judicial Code unless stated otherwise.