magistrat du parquet

In French law, the ministère public refers to the office of the public prosecutor. These agents, known as procureurs, are responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and representing societal interests in civil litigation. The role of the procureur dates back to the 13th century, initially to protect the king's interests and ensure officials performed their duties.1

Modern procureurs are theoretically meant to represent society's interests, though in criminal matters, they act for the state. While ultimately under the Ministry of Justice, they retain considerable freedom, especially in civil cases where their focus is on the correct interpretation and application of the law. The Préfet de Police is another key police force in France, responsible for preventive policing in Paris and investigating serious crimes nationwide, often working alongside examining magistrates.12