France to announce justice reform
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President Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to announce major changes to the French judiciary, bringing it closer to the system in the English-speaking world.
According to the French newspaper Le Monde, Mr Sarkozy wants to abolish investigating magistrates, who currently act as independent judges.
The changes would allow state prosecutors and the police to take the lead in investigations instead.
Critics say the move would leave the system open to political interference.
At present the investigating magistrate plays a powerful and independent role, overseeing investigations by police and prosecutors, examining the evidence, and deciding if a case should go to trial.
According to the French newspaper Le Monde, Mr Sarkozy wants to abolish investigating magistrates, who currently act as independent judges.
The changes would allow state prosecutors and the police to take the lead in investigations instead.
Critics say the move would leave the system open to political interference.
At present the investigating magistrate plays a powerful and independent role, overseeing investigations by police and prosecutors, examining the evidence, and deciding if a case should go to trial.
