The People

Police & gendarmerie

The police and gendarmes are present in the courts to maintain order.
Their number varies according to the jurisdictions, the place and the case being heard. Their job is to control visitors, check accreditations, the security within the building, access to the courtroom, to accompany witnesses and guard the accused.
During deliberation, the presiding judge also asks them to make sure that no one enters the room where the discussions are taking place without permission.

Image n°1 : Policemen guarding the entrance to the ‘salle des pas perdu' and the Assize courtroom, Papon Trial, Law Courts in Bordeaux.


Noëlle Herrenschmidt. 1997. pencil and watercolour, 32x41 cm.

© Noëlle Herrenschmidt


Image n°2 : Policemen and the accused, Law Courts in Liège.


Palix,. 2008. watercolour, 21x29,7 cm.

© Palix,