The preliminary preparation commences with the written submissions of the parties. The preparation then continues orally, with one judge presiding in the meeting. If the case cannot be resolved at this point, a separate main hearing is scheduled. In a main hearing the composition of the District Court is three judges, except for family law cases, where the Court is composed of a panel of one judge and three lay members. The proceedings are as continuous as possible.
Criminal procedure follows the same principles as in civil cases.
The Court may ask the accused to make a plea already before the main hearing. The procedure is oral and the judgment is based on the factual circumstances that the parties have personally brought to the knowledge of the Court. All evidence is received in the main hearing. Again, the proceedings are as continuous as possible. The composition of the Court cannot change while the main hearing is in progress.