Dutch ‘ZSM Settlements’ in the Face of Procedural Justice: The Sooner the Better?

In the following, we will first look at the origins, aim(s) and essence of the Dutch ZSM process (Section 2-3). Next, we will elaborate on the challenges and pitfalls of this process against the ‘backdrop’ of the principles enshrined in Article 6 of the European Convention (Section 4). We will then discuss the notion of procedural justice (Section 5) and investigate the challenges and pitfalls of ZSM in relation to procedural justice as experienced by the suspect and the victim (Section 6). Finally, we will offer some (preliminary) conclusions derived from our analysis (Section 7).