Judges from the District Court of The Hague have been holding weekly sessions in Moerwijk, a neighborhood in The Hague South-West, as part of the ‘Prevention with Authority’ program, an initiative aimed at making justice more accessible by addressing not only legal conflicts but also underlying social issues such as debt, housing, and education.
How it works
Every week, a judge holds sessions directly within the community at the District Court, located in Moerwijk. This initiative is a collaboration between the Municipality of The Hague, the District Court of The Hague, the police, the bar and the Public Prosecution Service. As part of the program, 'Care and Safety House Haaglanden' plays a vital role in addressing minor offences such as shoplifting, abuse or verbal threats. With consent from the suspect, stakeholders, including probation service, social workers, police, and legal counsel, jointly assess the case to determine the most effective response. It offers a practical example of how The Hague actively lives up to its global reputation as the international city of Peace & Justice.
Legal routes that are accessible and affordable
The district court handles a variety of cases: minor criminal offences as described above. But also truancy issues and debt collection proceedings. It also supports residents in controversy with neighbours or landlords. Concluding: cases that might not justify the high costs of formal legal proceedings. Recognizing this gap, an alternative, low-cost option is available with the resolution judge.
Robine de Lange, President of the District Court of The Hague explains that the resolution judge is part of their mission to make justice accessible. This simplified, affordable procedure is available to every resident of The Hague. In Moerwijk, the law is brought directly into the neighbourhood, removing barriers and supporting people when and where they need it.
“Our experiences with the resolution judge are positive. People appreciate having a resolution, even if it’s not exactly in their favor. It helps them move on. We also see many cases involving unpaid fixed costs. If broader financial issues emerge, we quickly connect them with municipal debt services. Within two weeks, they have an appointment and more perspective.”
From March 1, 2025, the resolution judge can also rule on cases when one party refuses to cooperate, covering disputes up to €5,000, including employment conflicts and overdue payments. If mediation fails, a binding verdict is delivered. The approach combines efficiency with compassion and a simple procedure.
Purpose
One in three reports feeling unsafe in their own neighbourhood within The Hague South-West. Justice, applied in a personal and preventative way, can play an important role in reversing the current situation. District Court The Hague South-West focusses on long-term investment in local trust and resilience. This integrated, human-centred approach allows The Hague to offer a model of modern, community-rooted justice that supports peace, safety, and dignity.
Understanding the individual beyond the case
A simple yet transformative question: What truly helps someone? This approach goes beyond traditional legal boundaries, taking into account the broader context of a person’s life, including family, housing, employment, and education.
Rather than focusing solely on delivering verdicts, judges collaborate with police officers, housing associations, reintegration services, and social workers to craft sustainable solutions. By implanting justice within the community, the court facilitates early intervention and helps individuals move forward with their lives constructively.
About the district
The Hague South-West is a dynamic urban district of roughly 70,000 residents, consisting of four distinct neighbourhoods and a strong entrepreneurial base. Despite facing notable socio-economic challenges, the area holds significant potential for innovation and growth. Particularly in sectors like healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and logistics. With over 6,500 diverse companies, South-West is uniquely positioned to strengthen The Hague’s development as a circular and healthy city. Through initiatives such as the 2023–2027 Implementation Plan and the National Program The Hague Southwest, the city is investing in sector-driven innovation hubs. These hubs encourage collaboration between businesses and knowledge institutions to develop, test, and apply smart technological solutions that directly benefit local communities.
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