Parties to civil cases

Parties to civil cases may be one or more individuals or organizations (a company, foundation, association, etc.). The question of who can represent the party is especially relevant for organizations.

As a party, one always has the right to attend the appeal hearing, and may also be instructed to attend.

Parties make statements under the same strict responsibility as witnesses. Before the party or representative of the party makes a statement, he or she must make an affirmation to the court.

In practice, all parties involved in a Court of Appeal case are assisted by an advocate, or counsel. The party's role is then limited to making a statement in the case.

A case is often very important to the parties, and can trigger strong involvement. For the progress and clarification of the case, it is however important that the parties respect the instructions given by the presiding judge. A party is entitled to be treated with respect by the court and the other participants, and is expected to show respect in return.