The Hoge Raad (supreme or high court) dates back to 1831 and is the body that examines whether lower courts have observed proper application of the law in reaching a decision. At this stage, the facts of the case are no longer subject to discussion. Rulings are made by three or five high court judges and are based on confidential discussions. The high court’s most important role is to establish jurisprudence in the areas of criminal, civil and tax law.