The French judicial system has been shaped by the country’s complex history and is based on principles that guarantee respect for fundamental freedoms, such as equality before the law, impartiality and independence. Based on these principles, French justice and 
judicial institutions have adapted to changes in society, however, to provide a justice that is more protective, more accessible, closer to citizens and also more modern.  This course is aimed at law professionals from all over the world who are interested in a comparative approach to law and in acquiring more in-depth knowledge of the organisation, history, development and working of the French judicial system. It is intended to constitute a step in the construction of mutual trust between professionals involved in the judicial system, a prerequisite for international cooperation. In addition to a number of visits (police station, Court of Appeal, Council of State), the course is usefully rounded off with a 3-day placement with a court to facilitate the foreign judges and prosecutors’ immersion in the French judicial system. This training course is intended for law professionals wishing to get a better grasp of the working of the French justice system they sometimes have to work with. It allows them to reflect and exchange on the main principles that make up any judicial system.

Training objectives 

• To discover how the French justice system works, through its organisation, history and development;
• To understand the various functions of judges and prosecutors, in both criminal and civil law and in the different levels of courts;
• Exchanges between participants on the different systems and good practices