He was a deputy from 1842 to 1848, a representative in the Constituent Assembly of 1848, and Minister of Justice in the Cabinet of General Cavaignac (28 June 1848 to 20 December 1848).

Eugène Bethmont was born in Paris on 12 March 1804, son of a baker in the rue du Pont aux choux, in Le Marais.

He appeared at the palace the next year, and gained a great reputation by arguing several cases at the Court of Assizes.

In the elections of 1 August 1846 the ministry strongly opposed his reelection and managed to engineer his defeat.

On 28 June 1848 he was appointed Minister of Justice by General Cavaignac, president of the council and head of the executive.