How did the French criminal justice system evolve during the Ancien Régime, and what were its main characteristics?

The French criminal justice system during the Ancien Régime underwent significant changes and developments over the centuries. During the early years of the Ancien Régime, the judicial system was largely unorganized and varied from one region to another. However, by the end of the 16th century, the French legal system began to take shape, and the king was able to consolidate his power over the judiciary. The main characteristics of the French criminal justice system during the Ancien Régime were its heavy reliance on confession as evidence, its emphasis on punishment rather than rehabilitation, and the lack of a uniform system of law.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the French legal system underwent further changes, and the king's power over the judiciary was strengthened. The most important legal reform of the period was the creation of the Châtelet courts, which were established in Paris and other major cities. These courts were designed to provide a uniform system of justice, but they were still subject to the influence of local customs and traditions.

Another important development during the Ancien Régime was the emergence of professional lawyers and judges. The legal profession became more specialized and formalized, and the king began to appoint judges based on their legal qualifications rather than their social status. However, the legal system remained largely inaccessible to the lower classes, who often lacked the resources to hire lawyers or defend themselves in court.