Legal Definitions - procès-verbal

procès-verbal

A procès-verbal is a formal, detailed, and authenticated written record of a meeting, discussion, or event. It serves as an official account of what transpired, including decisions made, statements given, or observations noted. This term is commonly used in civil law systems and international law to document official proceedings or agreements.

• Example 1: International Treaty Negotiation

  Imagine two nations, Country A and Country B, are holding a series of meetings to negotiate a new bilateral trade agreement. After each session where specific clauses are discussed and agreed upon, a procès-verbal is drafted. This document meticulously records the attendees, the specific articles of the treaty that were debated, any amendments proposed, the final wording agreed upon, and any outstanding issues for future discussion. It acts as the official, verifiable record of the negotiation process, ensuring clarity and accountability for both parties.

• Example 2: Police Investigation in a Civil Law Country

  In a country operating under a civil law system, a police officer investigates a reported theft. Upon arriving at the scene, the officer conducts interviews with witnesses and gathers evidence. The officer then compiles a procès-verbal, which is a comprehensive written report detailing the time and location of the incident, a description of the scene, the statements provided by witnesses, a list of evidence collected, and the officer's initial observations. This authenticated document becomes a crucial part of the official investigative file, serving as the formal record of the initial findings and actions taken.

• Example 3: Official Commission Hearing

  A government-appointed commission is holding public hearings to investigate the causes of a recent infrastructure failure. During these hearings, experts provide testimony, and members of the public offer their perspectives. A procès-verbal is prepared for each hearing, capturing the names of those who testified, a summary of their key statements, the questions posed by the commission members, and any significant responses or documents submitted. This ensures there is a precise, official record of all proceedings, which can be referenced later when the commission compiles its final report and recommendations.