Court of Cassation

The Court of Cassation occupies a sprawling building along the Seine designed according to classical French architectural principles. Inside, high ceilings, wide corridors, and chambers for oral arguments define the space.

The body came into existence in November 1790 through a decree by the Constituent Assembly aiming to create a central authority for legal uniformity. Its first session took place the following year in Paris, and the system has been adjusted multiple times since.

The institution ensures that courts across the country interpret and apply laws consistently. Its rulings create precedents that lawyers and judges rely on every day.

The building sits at Quai de l'Horloge near Île de la Cité and is accessible via the Cité or Saint-Michel metro stations. Hearings are not always open to the public, so checking beforehand is advisable.

The judges here never rule on facts but only examine whether lower courts have correctly interpreted laws. Their robes differ from those of other French judges through a special cut and red trim.

Inception: 1791

Industry: 84.23Z - Justice

Part of: French judiciary courts

Website: http://courdecassation.fr

GPS coordinates: 48.85669,2.34419

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:05