Justice of the peace (Belgium)

In addition, the justices of the peace also have original jurisdiction over a number of matters irrespective of the disputed amount, such as cases involving the renting or leasing of real estate, evictions, easement, land consolidation, consumer credit or unpaid utility bills.

This is a procedure free of charge in which the claimant and defendant appear voluntarily before the judge of the peace, who then tries to negotiate an amicable settlement between both parties.

If the conciliation fails, the claimant may still choose to bring an actual lawsuit against the defendant to the justice of the peace, which will then deliver a binding judgement.

[1][4] Aside from purely civil cases, the justices of the peace also have original jurisdiction in certain aspects of family law, most notably legal guardianships for incapacitated seniors, and the involuntary commitment of the mentally ill to psychiatric facilities.

[1][4] Judgements made by the justices of the peace can be appealed to the civil or family sections of the tribunals of first instance, depending on the nature of the case.