News

In the run-up to the last elections, we launched a campaign called "Europa voor Echt", aimed at young people aged between 16 and 23. The campaign, which took place during the month of May, aimed to raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of the rule of law in Europe.

The rule of law is regularly under pressure. Therefore, it is important to gain insight into how political parties want to shape the rule of law in the future. Advocaat.be has analysed the election programmes of the seven Flemish political parties represented in the federal parliament during the past coalition period. A group of experts assessed programme points without knowing which party had drafted which point. After an individual evaluation by each expert, together they reached a consensus on which proposals strengthen, potentially threaten or actually affect the rule of law.

Did you put your heart and soul into your undergraduate or graduate thesis last year? Was your thesis dedicated to the legal profession, or did you thoroughly research the organisation and workings of justice? If so, you now have the unique opportunity to have your efforts rewarded!

Prof Charlotte Colman surprised with her children's book "Who's in jail?", giving children a first look into the world of criminology. In this interview, Prof Colman highlights why informing children at an early age about law and justice is vital. Her book bridges complex topics with childlike curiosity: "Children pick up things but have gaps in their knowledge. We need to fill these gaps with neutral information tailored to the child, otherwise they will go looking for themselves or their imagination will fill in the blanks." The proceeds of "Who's in prison?" go to CAW East Flanders, for the benefit of children of parents in detention.

Victim of a crime or wrongdoing or registered as a civil party in which you were physically or psychologically threatened or assaulted? Then from now on, you have the right to receive information on the progress of the suspect's pre-trial detention.

In response to alarming figures on overcrowding in Belgian prisons, Advocaat.be speaks out against this unacceptable situation. The number of detainees continues to rise. Despite recent increases in capacity, there is still almost 15 per cent overcrowding. This is an average figure. That is, there are really distressing conditions in certain prisons.