By Raphaël MORENON
30 March 2025
In the judicial system, time is rarely on the side of those involved in legal proceedings. However, certain time limits provide essential protection. Unlike time limits for action, which require swift action or risk foreclosure, waiting periods prohibit any action until they have expired. These «braking periods» allow for reflection and protect the rights of the defence. Appearance deadlines: a fundamental protection Duration and calculation of the deadline The appearance deadline is the minimum time between the summons and the hearing. It is fifteen days before the judicial court (formerly the district court) since Decree No. 71-740 of 9 September 1971, a standard now applied to most courts. This deadline has a special calculation method. It is a «countdown» period: it starts from the date of the hearing and counts backwards. This mechanism means that no extension is possible if the last day is...
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