The financial crisis has created an increase in the number of legal cases being brought before the courts and this has resulted in a shortage of judges and magistrates.

Private individuals and companies are going to court more often, particularly in cases of contractual differences and late payments, reports Thursday’s Telegraaf. Courts are now having difficulties finding enough magistrates to cope with the increase in civil cases.
People are arriving at court to find a notice saying that ‘because of a (temporary) shortage of judges, the date and time of the session will be determined later’, says the paper.
Some courts are transferring cases to other courts where possible or drafting in replacement judges.