TITLE
PRELIMINARY ARTICLE
I. Criminal Procedure should be fair and adversarial and preserve a balance between the rights of the parties.
It should guarantee a separation between those authorities responsible for prosecuting and those responsible for judging.
Persons who find themselves in a similar situation and prosecuted for the same offences should be judged according to the same rules.
II. The judicial authority ensures that victims are informed and that their rights are respected throughout any criminal process.
III. Every person suspected or prosecuted is presumed innocent as long as his guilt has not been established. Attacks on his presumption of innocence are proscribed, compensated and punished in the circumstances laid down by statute.
He has the right to be informed of charges brought against him and to be legally defended.
The coercive measures to which such a person may be subjected are taken by or under the effective control of judicial authority. They should be strictly limited to the needs of the process, proportionate to the gravity of the offence charged and not such as to infringe human dignity.
The accusation to which such a person is subjected should be brought to final judgment within a reasonable time. Every convicted person has the right to have his conviction examined by a second tribunal.
BOOK I
EXERCISE OF PUBLIC PROSECUTION AND JUDICIAL INVESTIGATION
TITLE II
INQUIRIES AND IDENTITY CHECKS
CHAPTER I
FLAGRANT FELONIES AND MISDEMEANOURS
Article 63-4
At the start of the custody period, the person may request to talk to an advocate. Where he is not in a position to choose one, or if the advocate chosen cannot be reached, he may request an advocate to be appointed to him officially by the president of the bar.
The president of the bar is informed of such a request forthwith and by any means available.
The advocate chosen may communicate with the person under police custody under conditions which ensure the confidentiality of the conversation. He is informed of the type and believed date of the offence investigated by the judicial police officer or by a judicial police agent under the officer's supervision.
Following the conversation, which may not extend beyond thirty minutes, the advocate, if there is occasion to do so, presents written observations which are attached to the proceedings.
The advocate may not mention this conversation to anyone for the duration of the custody period.
Where the police custody has been extended, the person may also request an interview with an advocate at the start of the extension, subject to the conditions and in the manner prescribed by the previous paragraphs.
If the person is in custody for an offence mentioned in 4°, 6°, 7°, 8° and 15° of article 706-43, the interview may take place only after 48 hours have elapsed. If he is in custody for an offence mentioned in 3° and 11° of the same article, the interview with the advocate may only take place after 72 hours have elapsed. The district prosecutor is informed of the definition of the offences recorded by the investigators at the same time that he is notified that the person has been placed in custody.
BOOK II
TRIAL COURTS
TITLE I
THE ASSIZE COURT
CHAPTER VI
THE HEARING
SECTION I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 306
The hearing is public unless publicity would be dangerous for order or morality. In such a case, the court so declares by a ruling made in open court.
BOOK II
TRIAL COURTS
TITLE II
THE TRIAL OF MISDEMEANOURS
CHAPTER I
THE CORRECTIONAL COURT
SECTION III
PUBLICITY AND KEEPING OF ORDER AT HEARINGS
Article 400
Hearings are public.
BOOK IV
SOME SPECIFIC PROCEEDINGS
TITLE I
CO-OPERATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
CHAPTER I
JUDICIAL CO-OPERATION
SECTION II
ARRESTS AND TRANSFERS
Article 627-5
Any person who is apprehended in accordance with an application for arrest for the purpose of transfer must be handed over within twenty-four hours to the district prosecutor who is territorially competent. During this period, the provisions of articles 63.-1 to 63-5 apply to him.
After checking the person's identity, the prosecutor informs him, in a language that he understands, that he is named in an arrest application for the purpose of transfer, and that he must appear before the prosecutor general of the Appeal Court of Paris within five days at the latest. The district prosecutor also informs him that he may be assisted by an advocate of his choice, or failing this, by an advocate officially appointed by the bâtonnier of the order of advocates, who is immediately informed by any available means. The arrested person is also informed by the district prosecutor that he may speak to the appointed advocate immediately.
BOOK IV
SOME SPECIFIC PROCEEDINGS
TITLE I
CO-OPERATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
CHAPTER I
JUDICIAL CO-OPERATION
SECTION II
ARRESTS AND TRANSFERS
Article 627-6
...
The prosecutor general of the same court informs the apprehended person, in a language that he understands, of the application for arrest for the purpose of transfer, and also of the charges brought against him.
If the person apprehended has already requested the presence of an advocate, who has been duly sent for, the prosecutor general hears his statement.
In all other cases, the prosecutor reminds him of his right to choose an advocate or to ask for one to be officially nominated for him. The chosen advocate, or in case of a request for one to be officially nominated the bâtonnier of the order of advocates, is informed at once by any means available. The advocate may look at the case file straight away, and may freely communicate with the apprehended person. The prosecutor general hears the latter's statement after informing him that he is free to not make one. This notification is recorded in the official record.
BOOK IV
SOME SPECIFIC PROCEEDINGS
TITLE I
CO-OPERATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
CHAPTER I
JUDICIAL CO-OPERATION
SECTION II
ARRESTS AND TRANSFERS
Article 627-7
...
The hearing takes place and the judgment is given in open court, unless a public presence would be harmful to the course of the proceedings, the interests of a third party or to human dignity. In these cases the investigating chamber rules by an order made in chambers, on its own motion or at the request of the public prosecutor or the requested person. This judgment is only open to appeal at the same time as the decree concerning the transfer provided for in article 627-8.
The public prosecutor and the requested person are heard, the latter assisted by his advocate if there is one and, if necessary, an interpreter.
BOOK IV
SOME SPECIFIC PROCEEDINGS
TITLE XXV
PROCEDURE APPLICABLE TO ORGANISED CRIME AND DELINQUENCY
CHAPTER II
PROCEDURE
SECTION III
CUSTODY
Article 706-88
For the application of articles 63, 77 and 154, if the inquiry or investigation into one of the offences which falls within the scope of article 706-73 requires it, police custody may exceptionally be subject to two supplementary extensions each of twenty-four hours.
These extensions are authorised by a written and reasoned decision, on the request of the district prosecutor, by either the liberty and custody judge, or the investigating judge.
The person so held must be brought before the judge ruling on the extension before this decision is taken. The second extension may however, in exceptional cases, be authorised without the person's prior appearance if the needs of an investigation in progress or to be carried out require this.
Where the first extension has been agreed, the detainee is examined by a doctor nominated by the district prosecutor, the investigating judge or the judicial police officer. The doctor issues a medical certificate in which he must express an opinion on the continuation of the custody period, which is attached to the case file. The person is informed by the judicial police officer of his right to request a new medical examination. These medical examinations are as of right. A record of this notification is made in the official report and signed by the person concerned. If he refuses to sign, this is noted.
As an exception to the provisions of the first paragraph, if the foreseeable length of the remaining investigations to be carried out after the person has already been in custody for forty-eight hours justify this, the liberty and custody judge or the investigating judge may decide, in accordance with the conditions provided for in the second paragraph, that the custody period will be extended by one single period of forty-eight hours.
A person whose custody is extended in accordance with the provisions of the present article may request to see an advocate after he has been in custody for forty-eight hours and then again after seventy-two hours, according to the conditions provided for by article 63-4. He is informed of this right when he is notified about the extension or extensions, and a note of this, signed by the person concerned, is made in the official report. If he refuses to sign this, this is noted. However, where the inquiry relates to an offence which falls within the scope of 3° and 11° of article 706-73, the interview with a advocate may not take place before he has been in custody for seventy-two hours.
ARTICLE I
TITLE I CO-OPERATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
CHAPTER I JUDICIAL CO-OPERATION
SECTION 2: ARRESTS AND TRANSFERS
Article 627-5
(Inserted by Law no. 2002-268 of 26 February 2002 art. 1 Official Journal of 27 February 2002)
After checking the person’s identity, prosecutor informs him, in a language that he understands, that he is named in an arrest application for the purpose of transfer, and that he must appear before the public prosecutor of the Appeal Court of Paris within five days at the latest. The district prosecutor also informs him that he may be assisted by an advocate of his choice, or failing this, by an advocate officially appointed by the bâtonnier of the order of advocates, who is immediately informed by any available means. The arrested person is also informed by the district prosecutor that he may speak to the appointed advocate immediately.
ARTICLE I
TITLE I CO-OPERATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
CHAPTER I JUDICIAL CO-OPERATION
SECTION 2: ARRESTS AND TRANSFERS
Article 627-6
(Inserted by Law no. 2002-268 of 26 February 2002 art. 1 Official Journal of 27 February 2002)
The public prosecutor of the same court informs the apprehended person, in a language that he understands, of the application for arrest for the purpose of transfer, and also of the charges brought against him.
If the person apprehended has already requested the presence of an advocate, who has been duly sent for, the public prosecutor hears his statement.
In all other cases, the prosecutor reminds him of his right to choose an advocate or to ask for one to be officially nominated for him. The chosen advocate, or in case of a request for one to be officially nominated the bâtonnier of the order of advocates, is informed at once by any means available. The advocate may look at the case file straight away, and may freely communicate with the apprehended person. The public prosecutor hears the latter’s statement after informing him that he is free to not make one. This notification is recorded in the official record.
ARTICLE I
TITLE I CO-OPERATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
CHAPTER I JUDICIAL CO-OPERATION
SECTION 2: ARRESTS AND TRANSFERS
Article 627-7
(Inserted by Law no. 2002-268 of 26 February 2002 art. 1 Official Journal of 27 February 2002)
The hearing takes place and the judgment is given in open court, unless a public presence would be harmful to the course of the proceedings, the interests of a third party or to human dignity. In these cases the investigating chamber rules by an order made in chambers, on its own motion or at the request of the public prosecutor or the wanted person. This judgment is only open to appeal at the same time as the decree concerning the transfer provided for in article 627-8.
The public prosecutor and the wanted person are heard, the latter assisted by his advocate if there is one and, if necessary, an interpreter.
1. En las investigaciones realizadas de conformidad con el presente Estatuto:
(a) Nadie será obligado a declarar contra sí mismo ni a declararse culpable;
(b) Nadie será sometido a forma alguna de coacción, intimidación o amenaza, a torturas ni a otros tratos o castigos crueles, inhumanos o degradantes;
(c) Quien haya de ser interrogado en un idioma que no sea el que comprende y habla perfectamente contará, sin cargo alguno, con los servicios de un intérprete competente y las traducciones que sean necesarias a los efectos de cumplir el requisito de equidad; y
(d) Nadie será sometido a arresto o detención arbitrarios ni será privado de su libertad salvo por los motivos previstos en el presente Estatuto y de conformidad con los procedimientos establecidos en él.
2. Cuando haya motivos para creer que una persona ha cometido un crimen de la competencia de la Corte y esa persona haya de ser interrogada por el Fiscal o por las autoridades nacionales, en cumplimiento de una solicitud hecha de conformidad con lo dispuesto en la Parte IX, tendrá además los derechos siguientes, de los que será informada antes del interrogatorio:
(a) A ser informada de que existen motivos para creer que ha cometido un crimen de la competencia de la Corte;
(b) A guardar silencio, sin que ello pueda tenerse en cuenta a los efectos de determinar su culpabilidad o inocencia;
(c) A ser asistida por un abogado defensor de su elección o, si no lo tuviere, a que se le asigne un defensor de oficio, siempre que fuere necesario en interés de la justicia y, en cualquier caso, sin cargo si careciere de medios suficientes; y
(d) A ser interrogada en presencia de su abogado, a menos que haya renunciado voluntariamente a su derecho a asistencia letrada.
1. El acusado estará presente durante el juicio.
2. Si el acusado, estando presente en la Corte, perturbare continuamente el juicio, la Sala de Primera Instancia podrá disponer que salga de ella y observe el proceso y dé instrucciones a su defensor desde fuera, utilizando, en caso necesario, tecnologías de comunicación. Esas medidas se adoptarán únicamente en circunstancias excepcionales, después de que se haya demostrado que no hay otras posibilidades razonables y adecuadas, y únicamente durante el tiempo que sea estrictamente necesario.
1. Se presumirá que toda persona es inocente mientras no se pruebe su culpabilidad ante la Corte de conformidad con el derecho aplicable.
2. Incumbirá al Fiscal probar la culpabilidad del acusado.
3. Para dictar sentencia condenatoria, la Corte deberá estar convencida de la culpabilidad del acusado más allá de toda duda razonable.
1. En la determinación de cualquier cargo, el acusado tendrá derecho a ser oído públicamente, habida cuenta de las disposiciones del presente Estatuto, y a una audiencia justa e imparcial, así como a las siguientes garantías mínimas en pie de plena igualdad:
(a) A ser informado sin demora y en forma detallada, en un idioma que comprenda y hable perfectamente, de la naturaleza, la causa y el contenido de los cargos que se le imputan;
(b) A disponer del tiempo y de los medios adecuados para la preparación de su defensa y a comunicarse libre y confidencialmente con un defensor de su elección;
(c) A ser juzgado sin dilaciones indebidas;
(d) Con sujeción a lo dispuesto en el párrafo 2 del artículo 63, el acusado tendrá derecho a hallarse presente en el proceso y a defenderse personalmente o ser asistido por un defensor de su elección; a ser informado, si no tuviera defensor, del derecho que le asiste a tenerlo y, siempre que el interés de la justicia lo exija, a que se le nombre defensor de oficio, gratuitamente si careciere de medios suficientes para pagarlo;
(e) A interrogar o hacer interrogar a los testigos de cargo y a obtener la comparecencia de los testigos de descargo y que éstos sean interrogados en las mismas condiciones que los testigos de cargo. El acusado tendrá derecho también a oponer excepciones y a presentar cualquier otra prueba admisible de conformidad con el presente Estatuto;
(f) A ser asistido gratuitamente por un intérprete competente y a obtener las traducciones necesarias para satisfacer los requisitos de equidad, si en las actuaciones ante la Corte o en los documentos presentados a la Corte se emplea un idioma que no comprende y no habla;
(g) A no ser obligado a declarar contra sí mismo ni a declararse culpable y a guardar silencio, sin que ello pueda tenerse en cuenta a los efectos de determinar su culpabilidad o inocencia;
(h) A declarar de palabra o por escrito en su defensa sin prestar juramento; y
(i) A que no se invierta la carga de la prueba ni le sea impuesta la carga de presentar contrapruebas.
2. Además de cualquier otra divulgación de información estipulada en el presente Estatuto, el Fiscal divulgará a la defensa, tan pronto como sea posible, las pruebas que obren en su poder o estén bajo su control y que, a su juicio, indiquen o tiendan a indicar la inocencia del acusado, o a atenuar su culpabilidad, o que puedan afectar a la credibilidad de las pruebas de cargo. En caso de duda acerca de la aplicación de este párrafo, la Corte decidirá.