The Order on criminal law and criminal procedure issued on 25 March 2020 allows and encourages the use of electronic means of communication, such as videoconference, before all criminal courts without the need to obtain the prior consent from parties (Article 5 of the Order). 

However, in practice, French lawyers are pointing out that most courts in France are not well prepared to face the pandemic as they do not have the appropriate functioning material. Indeed, the majority of French courts are not equipped with videoconferences, and lawyers have recently experienced pleadings by phone.  

Some lawyers have therefore expressed their concerns over the current situation stating that they are not able to defend their client properly due to technical difficulties.  

We publish information as it is reported to us. If you would like to make us aware of an inaccuracy or send us more information please email us at [email protected]