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 […]

Indirect Discrimination

Malika wants to join a gym near her home, and she wears a headscarf. While inquiring, she notices that the internal regulations state: “All headgear is strictly prohibited (caps, hats, hoods, etc.)”. Since it’s not only religious headgear that is targeted, and all clients are concerned, she’s unsure if this constitutes discrimination. In reality, Malika […]

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 […]

Disciplinary Procedure in Public Educational Institutions

Article R.511-13 of the Education Code states that: “I In colleges and high schools under the authority of the Minister of Education, the sanctions that can be imposed on students are as follows: 1° Warning; 2° Reprimand; 3° Accountability measure; 4° Temporary exclusion from class. During the sanction, the student is accommodated in the institution. […]

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 […]

Home Education

Home education (IEF), sometimes called ‘homeschooling’, is an educational option that has long been available to families. The right to education is affirmed by numerous international, constitutional, and legislative texts (thirteenth paragraph of the Preamble to the 1946 Constitution and Article 2 of the Additional Protocol to the European Convention for the Protection of Human […]

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 […]

Professional Internships in a School Setting

Aliyah is enrolled in a public middle school and will have to complete a mandatory internship to discover the working world. She wants to know if she can keep her headscarf. What Does the Law Say? The Law No. 2004-228 of March 15, 2004, applying the principle of secularism, framing the wearing of signs or […]

Full-coverage swimsuit | “Burkini”

Assia is going on vacation to the south of France with her children. Having booked a rental near the beach, she would like to go swimming there with her children but fears that wearing a full-coverage swimsuit might be prohibited. She also wonders if the same applies to the leisure center she will visit afterwards. […]

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 […]