Section 2: Pre-trial proceedings before the Pre-Trial Judge

The Pre-Trial Judge may rule on costs and claims made pursuant to Article 700.

The Pre-Trial Judge shall be seised by submissions specially addressed to him which are distinct from submissions within the meaning of Article 768, subject to the provisions of Article 1117.

The measures taken by the Pre-Trial Judge are simply mentioned in the file; notice is given to the lawyers. However, in the cases provided for in articles 787 to 790, the Pre-Trial Judge shall rule by reasoned order, subject to the rules specific to investigative measures.

The order is made, immediately if necessary, after the lawyers have been heard or called. The lawyers are summoned to the hearing by the Pre-Trial Judge. The lawyers are summoned to the hearing by the Pre-Trial Judge. In urgent cases, one party may, by notification between lawyers, invite the other to appear before the judge on the day, time and place fixed by the judge.

The orders of the pre-trial judge do not have the authority of res judicata in the main proceedings, with the exception of those ruling on procedural objections, on pleas in bar, on incidents putting an end to the proceedings and on the substantive issue decided pursuant to the provisions of 6° of Article 789.

Orders of the pre-trial judge and decisions given by the panel of judges pursuant to the ninth paragraph of Article 789 are not subject to opposition. An appeal or appeal in cassation may only be lodged with the judgment ruling on the merits. However, they may be appealed in the cases and under the conditions provided for in matters of expert appraisal or stay of proceedings. They may also be…

The Pre-Trial Judge supervises the execution of the measures of inquiry that he orders, subject to the provisions of the third paragraph of Article 155.

Once the investigative measure ordered has been carried out, the proceedings shall continue at the behest of the Pre-Trial Judge.