12.00 – 12.45: “Legislative Advice Tour”

Council of State Bruno Bruins, member of the advisory section, takes you into the world of Council of State as a legislative advisor. The Advisory Division of the State Council advises the government and parliament on legislation and administration. All bills must first be submitted to the State Council for advice before being debated in the House of Representatives and the Senate. How does this work? How is the State Council evaluated? What evaluation framework does the advisory division use? Bruno Bruins tells his story based on concrete practical examples. Of course, there will be plenty of room for questions and discussion during this presentation.

13.15 – 14.00: “Administrative Judiciary Tour”

The Council of State, Willemian den Ouden, member of the Administrative Judiciary Division, talks about the world of the Council of State as an administrative court. The Administrative Judicial Department is the highest general administrative court in the country and adjudicates administrative disputes between the government and citizens. What does it all mean? What can an administrative judge do and what can he not do? How does the court review government decisions that the citizen disagrees with? Willemian den Ouden tells her story on the basis of a concrete lawsuit that took place in the Administrative Justice Department. Of course, there will be plenty of room for questions and discussion during this presentation.

2.00pm – 2.45pm and 3.30pm – 4.15pm: “Rundje Willem II and the Constitutional Revision of 1848” (lecture by Groene Koch in the Gothic Room)

Afternoon carries a historian Jeroen Koch From the University of Utrecht, one of the authors of popular biographies of the king on Willem I, II and III from 2013, two lectures on King Willem II. He gives his lectures in the Gothic Hall of the Paleis Kneuterdijk, the hall built by Willem II himself during the time he lived there with Queen Anna Bologna in the first half of the 19th century. Perhaps the most colorful Prince of Orange ever was Willem II (1792-1849). He was a great soldier and was celebrated as the ‘Hero of Dutch Waterloo’. Art Collection: He built the Gothic Hall to display his extensive collection. He was a fan of exceptionally lavish parties by Dutch standards. But Willem II was also the king who approved the important revision of the constitution in the revolutionary year of 1848, so exactly this year 175 years ago, while real political excitement flared up around him. This constitutional amendment, prepared by a government commission led by the statesman Thorbecke, stripped the king of his political power and made the Netherlands a modern liberal democracy. During these interactive lectures there is plenty of room for questions.

Small exhibition on Thorbecke and the constitution

During this open day at the State Council, a small exhibition on the statesman Johann Rudolf Thorbecke took place in Knewterdijk Palace. Thorbecke was often present at this palace in 1848 to discuss the constitutional review with King Willem II. You can also view copies of documents from the National Archives of the original constitution.

Rule of Law Week

The open day (“Rondje Rechtsstaat”) is part of Rule of Law Week Starting on Tuesday, May 30th. During this week, various lectures and meetings are organized with the aim of increasing knowledge about the importance and functioning of the rule of law. The week ends on Saturday, June 3rd with an open day. walk itA tour around the rule of lawAnd visit the Academy of Legislation, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court, the King’s Ministry, the National Archives, the Judicial Council, the Dutch Data Protection Authority, the Violent Crime Compensation Fund and the State Council!