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Michel Gasteau's conference

Michel Gasteau, former President of Assize Courts, will speak on April 24, 2025 at 6pm, at the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France.

Registration form

Pre-registration is required for anyone wishing to attend the conference.
Access to the building will be granted on presentation of identification.

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At the heart of Justice: Confidences of an Assize Court President

As part of the "Dialogue between Cultures" cycle run by the Université des Savoirs Partagés, the Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France is pleased to welcome Michel Gasteau, former President of an Assize Court, for a lecture entitled "Au cœur de la Justice : Confidences d'un Président de cour d'Assises", on April 24, 2025 at 6pm in the Matisse building (Mont Houy Campus)

Michel Gasteau has presided over landmark trials, including those of Markus Warnecke, the Roubaix gang and Francis Evrard.
Drawing on his experience, he sheds light on the challenges and workings of criminal justice through these emblematic cases.
During this conference, the former magistrate will share his experience of criminal justice, offering a reflection on the workings of the judicial system, the role of jurors and the many questions that arise when they are called upon to take part in a trial. In particular, he will explain key concepts such as conviction, how deliberations take place, and the questions jurors often ask themselves: What should we do or not do in the courtroom? Are defendants allowed to lie? Do lawyers and prosecutors have any special obligations?

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn more about criminal justice and the key role of jurors, through the experience of a man who has left his mark on the history of justice in France.

Portrait of Michel Gasteau

Michel Gasteau is a major figure in criminal justice in France, with a 40-year career as both a lawyer and magistrate.
A former member of the Sens (Yonne) bar, he practiced the profession with distinction and was elected Bâtonnier on three occasions, testifying to the recognition he has gained in the legal community.

A remarkable career

He then chose to join the judiciary, where he held key positions. First Conseiller, then Président de Chambre at the Cour d'Appel, Michel Gasteau was appointed President of the Assize Courts in several regions of France, including Douai, Saint-Omer, Rouen and Évreux, a role he held for 15 years.
In all, he presided over almost 500 criminal trials and tried some 670 defendants. Notable cases include the trial of Markus Warnecke in May 2001, a German hooligan convicted of seriously wounding a gendarme during the soccer World Cup, as well as that of the "Roubaix gang", a group of Islamist terrorists, the same year.
He also presided over a number of criminal trials. In 2009, he also presided over the trial of Francis Evrard, a multi-recidivist paedophile.
His career has been marked by trials involving serious crimes.

A commitment to juries

During his 15 years as president of the Assize Courts, he worked with over 1,500 jurors, citizens drawn by lot to participate in one of the most important powers since the French Revolution.
He was able to accompany and guide them, explaining the subtleties of the workings of criminal justice.
Many jurors have legitimate questions about their role: their competence, the role of the president, the notion of judicial doubt and personal conviction, the attitude to adopt at hearings and the confidentiality of deliberations.

Michel Gasteau has thus become a key figure in French criminal justice, sharing his expertise and experience to enlighten jurors and the general public alike on the crucial issues at stake in criminal justice.

Contact

Campus du Mont Houy
Bâtiment Matisse, service communication ISH
59313 Valenciennes CEDEX 9
France