DDRO 25A72 - Introduction to French Law

Primarily intended for students with prior legal training acquired outside France, this course introduces the structure, specificities and most salient features of the French legal system. It begins with the historical and constitutional developments that have shaped French law, then surveys France’s contemporary political and judicial institutions. It next explores the substance of French law through its “public” and “private” branches, with a (non-comprehensive) overview of constitutional, administrative, criminal, tort and contract law. Throughout, students are encouraged to adopt a comparative perspective, contrasting the French system with the ones they know, thereby sharpening their critical thinking and cultural awareness.

No formal prerequisite. The course is primarily intended for students with prior legal training acquired outside France, but is open to all. No compulsory reading is required before the first session.

Seminar-format course of twelve two-hour sessions combining short lectures, guided class discussion and student presentations. From sessions 3 to 11, each session opens with a short (10–15 minute) presentation given by students in groups of two or three on a predetermined comparative theme: each group presents selected aspects of their home legal system (or another foreign system of their choice) in order to introduce the session and put the French system in perspective. Active participation and a comparative approach are expected throughout.

● 10% – Engagement throughout the semester (active participation in class and out-of-class exchanges, homework handed in on time, contribution to discussions, questions asked).

● 40% – One group presentation on a theme selected by the instructor, involving the comparative analysis and critique of specific aspects covered in the course, delivered and assessed orally in class.

● 50% – Final exam (one hour, closed book), held in class on the day of the last session at the usual time. It comprises a knowledge test in the form of multiple-choice questions and an analytical part inviting students to discuss a specific aspect studied during the semester.