The Main French Courts
The French judicial system is divided into two major independent jurisdictional orders based on the principle of dual jurisdiction: The administrative order covers disputes involving the administration (State, local authorities, public services) and is competent to handle disputes related to administrative actions (example: refusal of a building permit by the city hall). The judicial order […]
Incitement to Hatred, Violence, and Discrimination
What does the law say? It is necessary to distinguish between incitement to hatred, discrimination, and violence from insult and defamation. Incitement to hatred is the act of encouraging others, through speeches, writings, or any other means, to express hatred, violence, or discrimination against certain people because of, for example, their religion. There is a […]
Police Custody
Sofiane, a high school student, was placed in police custody for not respecting the minute of silence organized by his school. His mother wonders what risks he faces, what will happen, and what his rights are. What is police custody? Police custody is a coercive measure decided by a judicial police officer, either on their […]
University Enrollment
During her university enrollment, Nawel is informed that registration at the university is conditional on removing her headscarf, in application of the principle of secularism. What does the law say? Religious freedom is a principle enshrined in French constitutional law as well as international and European law. Higher education is not affected by LAW No. […]
IFSI (Nursing Training Institute) and Religious Symbols
During her enrollment in a nursing training institute (IFSI), Houyam is informed that her admission is conditional on removing her headscarf within the institute, during theoretical training and practical work, in application of the principle of secularism. What does the law say? Religious freedom is a principle enshrined in French constitutional law as well as […]
Summary Proceedings
What is a Summary Proceeding? A summary proceeding is a judicial procedure that allows the judge to conduct a rapid, or even immediate, examination of the dispute. They can order a provisional measure. This single judge does not examine the merits of the case. The summary proceedings judge issues a decision in the form of […]
Exams and Wearing Religious Symbols
1. I am enrolled in a public middle/high school Wearing signs or clothing through which students conspicuously display a religious affiliation is PROHIBITED (Law of March 15, 2004). 2. I am enrolled in a private middle/high school The law of March 15, 2004 regarding the prohibition of religious symbols does not apply to private middle […]
Polling Station and Religious Symbols
What does the law say? If you are the president of a polling station: It should be noted that the law requires neutrality from all state representatives. Thus, a president of a polling station cannot wear religious symbols, in the name of public service neutrality. If you are an assessor: They are not bound by […]
Ritual Slaughter for Eid al-Adha
As Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) or Eid al-Kebir (Great Feast) approaches, Sofiane inquires about ritual slaughter to perform it under the best conditions, particularly in compliance with national regulations, standards, food safety, health, animal protection, and environmental norms. What does the law say? The law authorizes ritual slaughter only in approved slaughterhouses, permanent or […]
Prayer
Aziz, who juggles many activities, wishes to perform his prayers on time. He is sometimes forced to pray outdoors or at work and wonders if this is legal. Similarly, he wonders if his children can pray at school or university. What does the law say? 1. Praying in public spaces In France, the Declaration of […]
