France implements phased criminal justice and victim rights reform

France is implementing a major reform of its criminal justice and victim rights laws, following the promulgation of Law No. 2026-651 on July 23, 2026. Described as the most significant overhaul of criminal procedure since 2019, the reform will be rolled out in successive waves over approximately 18 months.

The implementation follows a three-stage timeline. On July 25, 2026, provisions regarding restorative justice, judicial autopsy rules, and reforms to departmental criminal courts took effect. On October 23, 2026, new rules regarding requests for release from provisional detention will be applied, featuring tightened processing deadlines. Finally, on January 1, 2027, new hearing modalities for civil claims by parties are expected to begin, pending application decrees.

A central goal of the reform is to improve the standing of victims within the penal procedure. This includes expanding access to legal aid for victims of serious offenses starting from the investigation phase.