The Senate on Tuesday adopted the criminal justice reform bill championed by Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, with 219 votes in favor and 111 against. This legislation aims in particular to expedite the processing of criminal cases in a context of severe court backlogs, with several thousand cases pending.
The central measure involves introducing a "plea bargaining" procedure for certain recognized crimes. This system would, under certain conditions, reduce trial delays and streamline hearings in exchange for a reduced sentence. It will require the agreement of the accused, the prosecution, and the absence of any objection from the victim.
A reform contested by some members of the judicial system.
Several lawyers' organizations and left-wing elected officials expressed reservations, arguing that this procedure could undermine the safeguards of criminal trials. However, senators excluded certain crimes, particularly the most serious or those involving minors, from this mechanism.
The bill must now be examined by the National Assembly, where its adoption appears more uncertain due to the lack of a clear majority for the government. The bill also includes other provisions, such as expanding certain investigative techniques and adjustments to the organization of criminal courts.
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