Famous French Judges

Guillaume de Nogaret was a prominent French statesman who served as a councilor and keeper of the seal to Philip IV of France. Known for his loyalty to the king, Nogaret played a crucial role in advising on matters of state and governance. He was instrumental in carrying out the king's policies and implementing reforms to strengthen the French monarchy. Nogaret's astute political acumen and unwavering dedication to his duties earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and influential figure in the royal court.

Étienne de La Boétie was a French magistrate, classicist, writer, poet, and political theorist. He is best known for his close friendship with essayist Michel de Montaigne. La Boétie's work, particularly his political treatise Discourse on Voluntary Servitude, had a significant impact on the Huguenot movement. His ideas have been recognized as early influences on modern anti-statist, utopian, and civil disobedience thought. La Boétie's professional life was marked by his contributions to political theory and his advocacy for individual autonomy and freedom.

Eva Joly is a prominent figure in French politics, known for her roles as a juge d'instruction (magistrate) and politician for Europe Écologie–The Greens. She ran as a candidate for the French presidency in the 2012 elections, representing her party. Additionally, she served as a Member of the European Parliament for a decade, from 2009 to 2019. With a background in law and a strong commitment to environmental issues, Joly has made significant contributions to both the legal and political spheres in France and Europe.

Marie-Jean Hérault de Séchelles was a prominent figure in the French Revolution, known for his roles as a judge, freemason, and politician. He played a significant part in the revolutionary events of his time, advocating for political and social reforms. Séchelles was actively involved in shaping the legal and political landscape of France during this turbulent period. His contributions to the revolution marked him as a key figure in the history of France's transition towards modernity and democracy.

Jean-Louis Bruguière is a prominent French investigating magistrate known for his work in counter-terrorism affairs. He served as the vice-president of the Paris Court of Serious Claims and has been involved in high-profile cases, including the indictment of Rwandan president Paul Kagame. Bruguière has worked closely with US authorities on counter-terrorism efforts, ordering the arrest of numerous suspects. He temporarily left his judicial role to pursue a career in politics, aligning with Nicolas Sarkozy's conservative party. Additionally, he was appointed by the European Union to oversee the Terrorist Finance Tracking Program at the US Department of Treasury.

Jacques Cujas, a French legal expert, distinguished himself as a leading figure in the legal humanist movement. As a key member of the mos gallicus school, he advocated for a departure from the medieval Commentators' approach in favor of a more direct examination of the original works of Roman law within their social context. Through his scholarly pursuits, Cujas emphasized the importance of accurately interpreting and understanding the foundational texts of Roman law, making significant contributions to the field of legal studies.

Jean-Étienne-Marie Portalis was a prominent French jurist and politician during the French Revolution and the First Empire. He played a key role in drafting the Napoleonic Code, a critical legal document that laid the groundwork for the French legal system. Portalis's expertise and contributions in legal matters were highly regarded, earning him a reputation as a skilled and influential figure in shaping the legal landscape of France during that period.

Guillaume Budé was a renowned French scholar and humanist known for his significant contributions to education and literature. He played a key role in the establishment of Collegium Trilingue, later transformed into the prestigious Collège de France. Budé served as the first keeper of the royal library at the Palace of Fontainebleau, which eventually evolved into the renowned Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris. Additionally, he held esteemed positions as an ambassador to Rome and occupied various vital judicial and civil administrative roles during his distinguished career.

Guillaume Poyet was a prominent French magistrate known for his successful legal career. He began as a barrister in Angers and Paris before gaining favor with Queen Mother Louise of Savoy. Poyet held important positions such as advocate-general, president of the parliament of Paris, and chancellor of France. He implemented legal reforms, including the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts in 1539, aimed at improving legal procedures. Despite his achievements, Poyet faced setbacks, including imprisonment and loss of office, due to political intrigues and scandals involving high-ranking officials.

Charles Ancillon was a prominent French jurist and diplomat known for his significant contributions in the fields of law and diplomacy. He established himself as a respected figure through his expertise and dedication to these areas. Ancillon's professional life was characterized by his insightful legal analyses and diplomatic negotiations, which played a crucial role in shaping policies and international relations during his time. He was highly regarded for his intellect and strategic approach in addressing complex legal and diplomatic matters, leaving a lasting impact on the institutions he served.

Pierre le Pesant, sieur de Boisguilbert was a French lawmaker known for his contributions to economic theory. He is recognized as one of the pioneers of the concept of an economic market. Boisguilbert's work focused on advocating for free trade, criticizing government intervention in the economy, and promoting the idea of market forces regulating economic activity. His writings laid the groundwork for future economic thinkers and influenced the development of economic policies in France and beyond.

Frederic Herbert Maugham, 1st Viscount Maugham, was a prominent British barrister and judge known for his distinguished career in the legal field. Serving as the Lord Chancellor from March 1938 to September 1939, he held a key position in the British government. Maugham's tenure as Lord Chancellor showcased his legal expertise and leadership skills. Throughout his professional life, he made significant contributions to the field of law and played a crucial role in upholding justice and legal principles in the United Kingdom.