The Parlement of Paris

A comprehensive analysis of the Parlement as a law court and its political role and significance from its mid-13th-century origins to the 1789 Revolution. It describes how the Parlement evolved sophisticated procedures and a complex organization and examines its judicial and political growth against the social backdrop of the Court and the Palais de Justice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 372 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1968, this comprehensive study delves into the Parlement as a law court, exploring its political significance and role. Spanning from its inception in the mid-13th century until its downfall during the 1789 Revolution, the Paris Parlement held a central position in French government. Its primary function as the judicial authority of the crown emerged due to the necessity for a royal court to administer justice when the king was unable to do so personally. The book intricately details the evolution of the Parlement, encompassing sophisticated procedures, a complex organizational structure, and the judicial and political growth of the institution in the context of the Court and the Palais de Justice.

The Parlement's origins can be traced back to the mid-13th century, when it emerged as a distinct entity from the royal court. Initially, it served as a forum for the king to hear legal cases and render judgments. However, as time passed, the Parlement gained more power and autonomy, becoming a separate institution with its own jurisdiction.

One of the key developments of the Parlement was its establishment of a system of chambers, officers, and personnel. These individuals were responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the court and ensuring that justice was administered fairly and efficiently. The Parlement also developed a complex organizational structure, with different chambers specializing in different types of cases. For instance, there was the Chambre des Comptes, which dealt with financial matters, and the Chambre des Poursuites, which was responsible for prosecuting criminal cases.

The Parlement's judicial and political growth was closely intertwined with the social backdrop of the Court and the Palais de Justice. The Court, in particular, played a significant role in shaping the Parlement's development. The Court was a powerful institution that wielded considerable influence over the king and the government. Its judges, known as the Parlementaires, were appointed by the king and were responsible for interpreting and enforcing the law. The Parlementaires were often drawn from the upper classes of society and were well-educated and experienced in legal matters.

The Parlement, in turn, played a crucial role in shaping the Court's decisions and policies. The Parlement was able to exert pressure on the Court through its power to approve or reject legislation and to summon witnesses to testify. This power gave the Parlement a significant role in shaping the legal and political landscape of France.

In addition to its judicial and political functions, the Parlement also played a significant role in the social and cultural life of France. The Parlement was a gathering place for the aristocracy, lawyers, and scholars, and it was often the site of lively debates and discussions. The Parlementaires were known for their wit and intelligence, and their debates often reflected the intellectual and social currents of the time.

Despite its many contributions to French society, the Parlement faced challenges and controversies throughout its history. One of the most significant challenges was the rise. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Parlement was often accused of corruption and bias, particularly towards the aristocracy. This criticism led to calls for reform and modernization of the Parlement, which eventually led to the establishment of the Cour de Cassation in 1791.

Another challenge was the rise of nationalism and the desire for greater autonomy for French provinces. During the 19th century, the Parlement was increasingly seen as a symbol of French imperialism and was criticized for its role in maintaining the status quo. This criticism led to the establishment of the National Assembly in 1789, which eventually led to the French Revolution and the overthrow of the monarchy.

In conclusion, the Parlement was a crucial institution in the history of France, serving as a law court, a political actor, and a social and cultural hub. Its origins in the mid-13th century marked the beginning of a long and complex history that saw the Parlement evolve and adapt to changing social, political, and legal landscapes. Despite its many contributions to French society, the Parlement faced challenges and controversies throughout its history, ultimately leading to its downfall during the 1789 Revolution. However, the legacy of the Parlement continues to be felt today, and its significance as a historical and cultural landmark is widely recognized.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032013657