A general package to reform the judicial system has been under discussion since 1997. In June 2000, important legislation entered into force enhancing the presumption of innocence and the rights of victims.
Political scandals continued to dominate French political life throughout 2000.
The judiciary seems determined to accept its jurisdiction to prosecute prominent business and political figures.
Debate is ongoing concerning whether the President of the Republic should be summoned as a witness.
Attacks on Justice 2002 – France [full text, PDF]