French code of criminal procedure

According to a widely quoted definition by Roger Merle and André Vitu, the code de procédure pénale, or code of criminal procedure, is "the set of legal rules that govern the State's response to offenses and offenders".

Under French criminal law, the penal code (CP) defines what acts (or omissions) are punishable.

[2] Unlike civil law, which is applied without applying to the courts for the most part, criminal law is carried out through observance of the rules established by a written code, which connects the infraction committed, through a series of procedures leading ultimately to a sentence for an offender found guilty.

[4] The sixth century Lex Romana Visigothorum was the most important document reflecting this usage.

[13] It remained in force until the French Revolution, when it was repealed by a decree adopted by the National Constituent Assembly on 9 October 1789.

Trial proceedings in the cour d'assises were theatrical in nature, with the président, the jurors, the court clerk, the public prosecutor, witnesses, and the defendant all taking part in more or less formalized declarations at different points of the trial, which could go on for several days.

Jurors rendered their verdict based on impressions, and a majority (seven of twelve) was sufficient to convict.

[14] The 1808 code made legal assistance obligatory for a criminal defendant, and if he could not choose one, the judge assigned him one on the spot, under penalty of nullifying the entire procedure that follows.

Concerns channels for extraordinary recourse, and mandates procedures for petition for review and revision.

the regulation of judges; transfer of venue and extradition; recusals; offenses committed abroad;[19] and the prosecution, investigation of health and environmental matters.