The Dutch word arrest can have different meanings: a verdict of a higher court the arrest of a person a lien against goods. You will typically come across the term in court records or police records. … [Read more...]

In modern Dutch, a zoen is a kiss. Before say 1650, however, it was a legal term for a reconciliation. For example, if somebody was murdered, the family of the victim and the murderer could get together to see if they could come to an agreement. The agreement could have included payment of a compensation, banishment of the murderer, asking forgiveness in church, doing penitence, et cetera. If the families came to an agreement, there would be no criminal prosecution. For an example of such an … [Read more...]

The verb "compareren" means to compear: to present oneself in a legal matter. Court or notarial records often start with "Compareerde voor mij" [compeared before me]. This is often followed by a formal testimony or request. … [Read more...]

A boedelhouder literally is an estate keeper; the person who keeps possession of the estate of a deceased person until the estate is settled and divided. If the deceased was married, the boedelhouder would typically be the surviving spouse. … [Read more...]