Conference by Dominique Verdeilhan

An enlightened look at Justice in France

This year, journalist and legal columnist Dominique Verdeilhan did us the honor of inaugurating the Université des Savoirs Partagés' second lecture series, entitled "Dialogue between cultures".

Dominique Verdeilhan, court reporter and privileged witness to major criminal cases, highlighted the multiple stakes of his profession. The journalist, motivated above all by the search for information, can also be a whistleblower. He or she must maintain a good relationship with the judicial authorities, while asking himself or herself fundamental ethical questions:

• Is all information worth telling?
• Can media exclusivity hinder the work of investigators?

Through examples drawn from current events and his book "Les cabossés de la justice", he illustrated how the legal columnist can also play the role of agitator, not only by dealing with the news item, but also by pointing out inconsistencies or failings in the justice system. However, the news item is also a commercial issue: its choice is based on irrational factors, such as the nature of the crime, the geographical or social context, or media competition.

Specializing in major criminal cases, Dominique Verdeilhan led a captivating conference entitled "Du fait divers au procès, le temps de la justice et des médias", held on November 26 from 6pm on our Mont Houy campus (Matisse building). Drawing on his unique experience, he offered valuable insights into the development of the news item, its media treatment and its evolution through to trial.

As he pointed out, the treatment of news items often tends to arouse strong emotions in the public, particularly when they involve a celebrity, a high-profile case, or crimes that are particularly shocking by their nature or circumstances. Some media even seek to precede justice, revealing a significant discrepancy between the frantic pace of news and the time required by the judicial institution.

The journalist also faces challenges in dealing with certain complex subjects, particularly when they involve scientific or medical elements. In such cases, he or she must popularize the subject to enable the public to understand and identify with it. Sometimes, certain cases deserve to be treated with great restraint, in order to preserve the investigations or respect the people involved.

During this conference, Dominique Verdeilhan also evoked local cases that have marked the lives of the people of Valenciennes, as well as high-profile political scandals. Through his expert eye, he put into perspective the evolution of the media's treatment of the news and its impact on the public, justice and society.

The conference was also an opportunity for Dominique Verdeilhan to talk about local cases that have marked the lives of the people of Valenciennes, as well as high-profile political scandals.

An Unforgettable Sharing of Expertise

His conference was particularly appreciated for the richness of its content, its relevance and the quality of the exchanges it provoked.
Her presence, availability and enlightened analysis deeply captivated the audience and substantially enriched the debates around this fascinating subject.

> Discover or relive the entire conference on video

Court reporter for thirty-three years on France 2, Dominique Verdeilhan began his career at RTL before joining "Aujourd'hui Madame" on Antenne 2 in 1976.
As deputy editor-in-chief, he covered all the major legal cases, from "Omar m'a tuer" to the Balkany trial, and including the "Grégory" and "Outreau" cases.
Since October 2022, he has presented the program "Justice en France", first on France 3, then on France 2.

Between writing and commitment

After publishing Les magistrats sur le divan in 2017 and L'audience est ouverte - Chroniques d'une justice défaillante in 2021, in November 2023 he released Les cabossés de la Justice with Éditions du Rocher.

Dominique Verdeilhan also sat for two years as an outside assessor on disciplinary commissions at the Fleury-Mérogis remand prison.

Married with two children, he now lives in Noirmoutier. A former member of the Prix de l'Humour Politique/Press Club, he is also a member of the "Académie des Onze" and the "Dîner de Paris".