Criminal
A French-model inquisitorial system led by the public prosecutor
Criminal justice follows the French inquisitorial model. The public prosecutor (Parquet) directs prosecution, an investigating judge (juge d'instruction) conducts the inquiry in serious cases, and trial courts sit without a jury. The Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure derive from the Napoleonic codes.
Key rules
- The Parquet decides on prosecution and directs the criminal police.
- A juge d'instruction investigates serious offences and orders coercive measures under judicial control.
- Offences are graded as contraventions, délits and crimes, determining the competent court and procedure.
- There is no jury; professional judges decide.
Governing law
- Criminal Code (Code pénal)Napoleonic tradition, as amended
- Code of Criminal Procedure (Code de procédure pénale)As amended
Penalties and consequences
- Fines and imprisonment, graded by the classification of the offence
- Alternative measures for minor offences
In practice
The investigating judge remains central to serious cases, distinguishing the system from adversarial models. Appeals run through the Court of Appeal to the Court of Cassation on points of law.