procureur

In France, a procureur is an official representing the public prosecutor's office, known as the ministère public. Their primary role is to prosecute criminal cases and represent society's interests in civil litigation. The position dates back to the 13th century, initially to protect the king's interests and ensure officials performed their duties.1

While theoretically representing society, procureurs act for the state in criminal prosecutions and are ultimately overseen by the Ministry of Justice. However, they retain considerable freedom, especially in civil cases where their focus is on the correct interpretation and application of the law. The procureur also decides whether to prosecute and can request a juge d'instruction (investigating magistrate) to conduct a preliminary hearing.12