Criminal courts

The police court

The police court judge the contraventions (for example, a large speeding error).

Ministry of Justice

The correctional court

The correctional court judge the offenses committed by adults.

The defendant shall be liable to imprisonmentimprisonment. He may also be fined, additional penalty or to a alternative sentence to prison.

Ministry of Justice

The Cour d'Assises

The Cour d'Assises and the criminal court are competent to judge the crimes.

Depending on the seriousness of the offense, the case will be decided by either of these courts:

• The court of assize is competent to try persons accused of crimes punished over 20 years of criminal imprisonment (example: murder or torture).
• The criminal court is competent to judge the adults accused of crimes punishable by 15 to 20 years of confinement (e.g. rape).

Before the Court of Assize, 6 jurors (or 9 on appeal) participate in the decision on the conviction of the accused. They serve alongside 3 professional judges (1 president and 2 assessors).

Before the criminal court, the case is tried by 5 professional judges (1 president and 4 assessors).

Ministry of Justice

Juvenile courts

A minor is tried by specific courts, except when he commits a contravention of the first 4 classes. In this case, the police court has jurisdiction.

If he commits a infringement more seriously, the juvenile will be tried by the juvenile judge, the juvenile court or the juvenile court.

Ministry of Justice