Supreme Court Belgium
The Court of Cassation serves as the highest judicial authority in Belgium's legal system. Its primary role is to review decisions from lower courts, focusing solely on points of law rather than re-examining factual findings.
Key Features:
Jurisdiction: The Court of Cassation exclusively handles appeals that raise legal questions, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the application of law across the country.
Composition: The Court comprises three chambers, each responsible for specific areas of law:
Civil Chamber: Deals with civil law matters.
Criminal Chamber: Handles criminal law cases.
Social Chamber: Focuses on social law issues.
Appointment of Judges: Judges, known as "cassation judges," are appointed by the King, following recommendations from the High Council of Justice.
Recent Developments:
- Colonial Past Accountability: In December 2024, a Belgian court ruled that the state committed crimes against humanity by kidnapping mixed-race children during its colonial rule in the Congo. The Court of Cassation upheld this decision, affirming Belgium's responsibility and paving the way for reparations to the victims.
This landmark ruling underscores the Court's role in addressing historical injustices and influencing contemporary legal and political discourse in Belgium.
Court Dress:
In Belgium, legal professionals—including judges, lawyers, and prosecutors—wear identical court attire consisting of a black robe and a white band. This tradition symbolizes equality before the law and dates back to the French Revolution. Notably, judges' robes feature silk ties at the sleeves and closure, distinguishing them from the simpler attire of lawyers.
Understanding the structure and functions of the Court of Cassation provides insight into Belgium's legal system and its commitment to justice and accountability.
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