Pro forma

Pro forma is a Latin expression that literally means "for the sake of form". In Dutch law, and particularly in criminal procedure, the term refers to a hearing that is purely formal in nature and serves to keep the proceedings on track without addressing the facts or the question of guilt.

A pro forma hearing enables the parties to monitor time limits, request adjournments or take other formal steps while the investigation remains ongoing. This avoids unnecessary delays and safeguards the rights of the suspect and other parties involved.

In practice, such hearings are commonly held in complex or voluminous cases where not all evidence is yet available or further investigation is required.