Book II: Trial Courts

The proceedings shall be public, unless publicity would be dangerous to public order or morality. In such a case, the court shall declare this by a judgment given in open court. However, the president may prohibit minors or certain minors from entering the courtroom. When proceedings are brought for rape or torture and acts of barbarism accompanied by sexual assault, trafficking in human beings or aggravated procuring, punishable by the…

For the trial of the crimes against humanity mentioned in Subtitle I of Title I of Book II of the Criminal Code, the crime of enforced disappearance mentioned in Article 221-12 of the same code, the crimes of torture or acts of barbarism mentioned in Articles 222-1 to 222-6 of the said code, the war crimes mentioned in Chapter I of Book IV bis of the same code and the…

The proceedings may not be interrupted and must continue until the case has been concluded by the judgment of the assize court. They may be suspended for the time necessary for the judges, the civil party and the accused to rest.

From the opening of the hearing, the use of any sound recording or broadcasting equipment, television or cinema cameras, or photographic equipment is prohibited on pain of an 18,000 euro fine, which may be imposed under the conditions set out in Title VIII of Book IV. However, the proceedings of the assize court are subject to sound recording under the supervision of the president when the assize court is ruling…

The chairman has the police of the hearing and the direction of the debates. He rejects anything that would tend to compromise their dignity or prolong them without giving reason to hope for greater certainty in the results.

The President is vested with a discretionary power by virtue of which he may, in his honour and conscience, take any measures that he deems useful to discover the truth. He may, if he considers it appropriate, refer the matter to the court, which shall rule in accordance with the conditions set out in Article 316. During the debates, he may call, if necessary by warrant, and hear any persons…