In 2024, Annelien Bredenoord, President of Erasmus Universities Executive Board, Harriët Schelhaas, dean of Erasmus School of Law, and Julia Mendlik, President of Rechtbank Rotterdam, signed a covenant. The agreement reaffirmed the partnership between Erasmus School of Law and rechtbank Rotterdam and established the endowed chair of Judiciary in Theory and Practice. A unique chair that is to be established on 1 June 2026, to which Eelco Moerman will be appointed for a period of five years.
Moerman is an expert in the field of family law. He graduated with distinction in 2012 with a Master’s degree in Criminal Law from Erasmus School of Law, went on to study for a Master’s degree in Psychology, and obtained his PhD in 2016 with his dissertation: Integration in criminal investigation. Regarding the legal position of civilians in the investigation of criminal offences. Since 2022 he is deeply rooted in legal practice as judge of family law at rechtbank Rotterdam. It is this combination of practical experience, diverse academic interests and focus on the human dimension that makes Moerman perfectly suited for his role as Endowed Professor. As judge and Endowed Professor he is perfectly equipped to identify and research real-world issues, apply academic knowledge directly in practice, and establish links between the School and the judiciary.
Legal Rotterdam works together on a just society
The education and research of Erasmus School of Law are strongly focused on contributing to major societal challenges. This is achieved by placing the law within its economic and societal context and through close collaboration with partners on both local and international levels. It is precisely this connection between theory and legal practice that lies at the heart of this role: working together towards a just society. A mission that rechtbank Rotterdam and Erasmus School of Law already endorsed in the covenant in 2024 and which, in a time of institutional scepticism and geopolitical unrest, is more relevant than ever.
As Endowed Professor Moerman will play a key role in in this mission. By researching the way in which academic insights can be used to improve the judiciary and the level of legal protection, how developments in legal practice can contribute to the independence of the judiciary as a cornerstone of the rule of law, and how this impacts our society. Through this Moerman will further connect Erasmus School of Law and rechtbank Rotterdam.
The path to better legal protection
Moerman will examine this major question mainly from his area of expertise: family law. And, more broadly from the context of civil procedure law, which has seen significant developments in recent years. He explains that legal protection has recently received much attention: “Whether it concerns parents receiving benefits, the position of children subject to protective measures, or the focus on domestic violence, the recurring message is that legal protection cannot be taken for granted”.
This awareness of shortcomings in legal protection has led to various initiatives within the judiciary. These initiatives form the starting point for Moermans research agenda which focuses on the role of the civil court in providing legal protection for vulnerable groups and truth establishment. Moerman responds to his appointment: “This endowed chair provides the perfect opportunity to connect courtroom experience to research and education. I am looking forward to share the daily courtroom practice with students. In addition, this collaboration offers the opportunity to conduct research into legal protection in practice. In recent years, the courts have already been working hard to improve the legal position of those involved in proceedings. For example, children aged 8 and above are now given the opportunity to have their say in family proceedings, whilst the accessible Rotterdam ‘Rule Judge’ is another example of how the law is actively being made more accessible. In the coming years, I intend to focus on the role of the civil court in the legal protection of vulnerable groups in particular. I am looking forward to dedicating myself to the success of this endowed chair in the coming years.”
The strength of sharing knowledge
The insights from his research will not only be applied in his role as judge at the rechtbank Rotterdam but will also be shared with supply chain partners so that legal protection can be improved in practice. Moermans experience will also be of great value when shared with the students. He will guide them through the application of the law and prepare them for legal practice. “I want to help students translate law in the books to law in action, whilst taking into account the challenges involved”, Moerman says.
Rotterdam roots as a link between academia and practice
Rechtbank Rotterdam and Erasmus School of Law are very happy with Moermans appointment as Endowed Professor of Judiciary in Theory and Practice. Mendlik reacts to his appointment: “The close collaboration between rechtbank Rotterdam and Erasmus School of Law takes on a new dimension with the appointment of Eelco Moerman. This links practice with academia in a region with so much societal development. In this way, we can inspire students and strengthen practice through research.” Schelhaas also responds to Moermans appointment: “We are very happy that we can further strengthen the collaboration with this chair and that Eelco, with his Rotterdam roots, has been appointed on this chair. He is uniquely qualified to act as liaison between the court and our School, to start collaborations and contribute to the societal mission of Erasmus School of Law”.
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