The mission statement reflects what the Judiciary stands for and, in principle, it is timeless.

The vision sets out what the Judiciary is aiming for; it is our image of a successful future, one that focuses on 2030.

The Agenda of the Judiciary is based on its mission and vision. It sets the goals that the Judiciary wants to achieve in the coming three to five years, on the path to achieving the ambitions set out in its vision.

The Judiciary's mission

The Judiciary protects rights and freedoms, upholds the democratic rule of law, safeguards the proper application of the law and ensures that decisions are handed down by independent, impartial, ethical and competent judges.

Vision of the Judiciary

The Judiciary is fair, accessible, timely and transparent, and it responds to social developments.

Fair administration of justice

Key elements: Core values: impartial, independent, ethical and professional, fair procedures, the human dimension, self-reflection, and a Judiciary that society can identify with.

The independence and impartiality of the judge in each individual case and at the institutional level is guaranteed. Justice is characterised by each case being judged on its own merits with an eye and attention for all those concerned as well as for the social context. Justice is administered after the case is handled carefully, and after thorough fact-finding and a fair trial. The supervision entrusted to the Judiciary is carried out actively and with full knowledge of the facts. All staff working in the Judiciary are competent and committed. They reflect on their performance and invest in their own and their colleagues’ development. The organisation affords them the scope and opportunities for this.

An accessible judiciary

Key elements: accessible, affordable, everyday language, human face, taking advantage of technical opportunities

Justice is accessible to all, aimed at providing legal protection and upholding the rule of law. Barriers to effective access to justice are unacceptable. The Judiciary is easy to access, be it electronically, physically or by telephone, and it provides information (through various channels) in layman’s language. The Judiciary uses proven new technologies for the digitisation of written procedures and for supervision. The Judiciary is also accessible and easy to reach in other ways, if so required by those concerned.

Timely justice

Key elements: expeditious, reliable, predictable.

From the start, the Judiciary directs the proceedings with a view to the careful yet expeditious handling of the case. Court decisions are handed down as quickly as possible. The course of the proceedings is predictable. It is clear to the parties in advance when the decision will be made and the court sticks to its deadline.

Transparent administration of justice

Key elements: accountable, open to the public, predictable, can be followed, sustainable, efficient use of resources

Judicial decisions are based on sound reasoning. Rulings are handed down in public and shared widely. Those concerned can follow the progress of their case (track and trace). The Judiciary is an effective and sustainable organisation, one that focuses on fulfilling its duties to society.

The Judiciary responds to social developments.

Key elements: various kinds of dispute resolution, closely aligned to societal needs, problem solver, innovation, social involvement, diversity.

The Judiciary innovates in the field of procedural law and technology so that it can fulfil its social task and, in doing so, is closely attuned to the needs and problems of society. The Judiciary takes an active position in the social debate if its duty to society and the rule of law are at stake. With diversity, the Judiciary enhances the quality of its work and ensures that all those in society can identify with it.

The Agenda of the Judiciary is based on its mission and vision. It sets the goals that the Judiciary wants to achieve in the coming three to five years, on the path to achieving the ambitions set out in its vision. These goals are:

1. Justice is timely and predictable.
2. The courts can be accessed digitally; the thresholds to justice are low. Access to justice is facilitated for those seeking justice who are not fully able to take advantage of digital access to justice.
3. The Judiciary works actively in networks and is reliable in that respect. This collaboration comes with obligations. The independent and impartial role of the courts is guaranteed in the collaboration.
4. The Judiciary works with a human dimension. Our concern for people determines the way we carry out our work. We recognise that legal files have a human aspect. Our communications have a personal touch wherever possible.
5. The Judiciary is diverse and safeguards inclusiveness. That is to say that we ensure that everyone feels at home and feels free to be themselves in the organisation. We create opportunities to learn from one another and to work together. We are driven by the values set out in our mission statement. Administrators and managers encourage ownership and give confidence to all those who work for the Judiciary.