Death in the City of Light: The Serial Killer of Occupied Paris

by David King

French law, a defendant’s past record plays a more important role for the prosecution than in Anglo-Saxon countries. In addition, the president of the court questions the defendant and may, if he chooses, comment on the answers as well. The accused may challenge witnesses or the prosecuting attorney, even in the middle of a testimony, and indeed failure to allow such a question may be grounds for a mistrial. Any of the lawyers—prosecution, defense, or civil attorney—may intervene at any time as well. To an outsider, a French trial might seem somewhat disordered; the Petiot case would look like pure chaos.