High Court (France)

The term "High Court" can refer to several historical and contemporary courts in France, each with distinct jurisdictions and compositions. Understanding the specific context is crucial to correctly identify which "High Court" is being referenced. Here are some possible interpretations:

• Cour de Justice de la République (Court of Justice of the Republic): This is the most likely contemporary meaning of "High Court" in a French context. It is a special court created in 1993 with the jurisdiction to judge members of the government (ministers and former ministers) for crimes or misdemeanors committed in the exercise of their duties. It is composed of members of Parliament (both from the National Assembly and the Senate) and judges from the Cour de Cassation (Supreme Court). Proceedings are initiated by a commission des requêtes (commission of requests) of the Cour de Justice de la République, which determines if a case warrants a full trial before the court.

• Haute Cour de Justice (High Court of Justice): This was an extraordinary court established under previous French constitutions, notably the Fourth Republic (1946-1958). It had the power to try the President of the Republic for high treason and also ministers for offenses against the security of the state. The composition and functions of the Haute Cour de Justice varied across different constitutional periods. It is not the same as the current Cour de Justice de la République.

• Other Historical Courts: Throughout French history, various institutions have held similar titles or performed related functions, particularly during periods of constitutional upheaval or transition. These older courts are less likely to be the intended meaning of "High Court" in a modern context, but consulting historical legal texts might be necessary depending on the context of the query.

Therefore, when encountering the term "High Court (France)," it's essential to determine the time period and subject matter to understand which specific judicial body is being referenced. The Cour de Justice de la République is the most probable present-day meaning.