On March 20, 2025, a mock trial was staged by the Association of Magistrates to highlight the failures of the Belgian justice system and the state in upholding the rule of law, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Justice Day.

The event aimed to draw attention to serious issues within the judicial system, including significant judicial backlogs and a lack of resources.

Testimonies during the trial revealed the heavy workloads faced by judicial staff and the dire conditions in Belgian prisons, which have faced repeated legal condemnation.

The Belgian state defended its austerity measures, prioritizing funding for national security over judicial needs, while simultaneously calling for reforms within the judiciary.

At the conclusion of the trial, 77% of the mock jury found the justice system innocent, while a striking 96% condemned the Belgian state for neglecting its judicial responsibilities.

The mock trial resulted in the acquittal of the justice system, but the Belgian state was criticized for its significant judicial backlog and inadequate resources.

The trial lasted nearly two hours and underscored the need for 43% more judges to effectively manage the current workload.

In a humorous yet critical proposal, the concept of 'robot judges' and artificial intelligence was suggested as a potential solution to expedite judicial processes.

Lawyer Alain Zenner expressed concern that judges often overlook the root causes of judicial backlogs and budgetary constraints, contributing to the ongoing crisis.

Zenner highlighted a specific case involving Syrian visas, where a humanitarian decision by the Belgian judiciary was later overturned by European courts, illustrating a conflict between legal principles and political considerations.

Zenner criticized judges for their one-sided blame of politicians regarding the state of the judiciary, suggesting a lack of self-reflection within the judicial community.

He warned that a quarter of judges are set to retire within the next decade, potentially exacerbating the already complex situation in the Belgian justice system.