Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti faces allegations of conflicts of interest for initiating investigations against magistrates he had disputes with during his time as a lawyer. He will stand trial

before the Court of Justice of the Republic, a unique jurisdiction for government members.

It is set to be a momentous occasion: the trial of Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti is scheduled to commence on Monday, November 6, before the Court of Justice of the Republic (CJR). This marks the first time that a sitting minister will appear before the CJR's judges, facing allegations of conflicts of interest. The justice minister is suspected of pursuing vendettas against four magistrates with whom he had contentious interactions while working as a lawyer.

Read more Why France's justice minister is being tried for conflicts of interest The CJR is a unique jurisdiction, tasked with adjudicating on crimes and transgressions committed by government members in the course of their official duties. It consists of three magistrates from the Cour de cassation and 12 members of Parliament, six from the Assemblée Nationale and six from the Sénat, elected by their colleagues. There have been discussions about reforming this court, but that would necessitate a constitutional amendment.

The prosecution will be led by France's highest-ranking prosecutor, Rémy Heitz, appointed on July 2 by President Emmanuel Macron, and prosecutor Philippe Lagauche, who has overseen the entire investigation. All parties involved are proceeding with caution: Heitz, while legally independent, will be presenting accusations against his own minister without compromising his predecessor. Of the 22 witnesses summoned by the prosecution, many are current or former Justice Ministry employees. Photo by librariemollat, Wikimedia commons.