Compensation is awarded by a commission set up within the jurisdiction of each judicial court. This commission has the character of a civil court which rules at first instance.
The commission is made up of two judges from the judicial court and a person of full age, of French nationality and enjoying his or her civic rights, who has shown an interest in the problems of victims. It is chaired by one of the magistrates.
The members of the commission and their alternates are appointed for a period of three years by the general meeting of judges of the court.
The functions of the public prosecutor are performed by the public prosecutor or one of his deputies.
A decree in the Council of State shall determine the terms of application of this article.