Abraham Hartogh introduced the concentration of defense at the end of the nineteenth century. A relatively recent amendment to the law makes this rule relevant in summary proceedings. It seems risky for a defendant in summary proceedings to keep a few cards up their sleeve if, before the hearing, they voluntarily file a statement of defense or otherwise respond to the initial summons. This is particularly true for objections to exceptional circumstances. Conversely, as a plaintiff in summary proceedings, it is advisable to carefully review the other party's procedural steps; does the defendant—to paraphrase Hartogh—present its "entire defense" at once?

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