Justice isn’t just a matter of dusty legal codes or rigid scales of justice; it’s a living, human, and sometimes cruel subject that plays out in the courtroom. Delve into the historical archives of the former Minister of Justice—a way to honor the memory of Robert Badinter and grasp the importance of justice’s role in our society.
To take this reflection a step further in a more hands-on way, you can explore initiatives like “The Jury Experience” in Paris, an immersive experience that lets you step into the shoes of a juror for the duration of a (mock) trial.
18 October 2026 17:00 + more dates
Théâtre de l’Alliance Française
24 October 2026 17:00 + more dates
Théâtre de l’Alliance Française
6 November 2026 18:30 + more dates
Théâtre de l’Alliance Française
A final tribute in the dim light of the crypt
It is precisely this weight and these ethical principles that the exhibition “Robert Badinter: Justice at the Heart” explores. Housed in the heart of the Panthéon, it is set to close its doors on May 25, 2026. If you haven’t yet crossed the threshold of this monument, now is the time to relive the journey of a man who transformed France.
The exhibition, with its poignant simplicity, is divided into three key sections:
- The origins of a struggle: From his father’s arrest in Lyon during the Occupation to his early days at the bar.
- The Cry Against the Guillotine: A behind-the-scenes look at the Patrick Henry case and his legendary arguments against the death penalty.
- The Architect of the Law: His tenure at Place Vendôme, the 1981 abolition of the death penalty, and his reforms to humanize prison conditions and strengthen the rights of the most disadvantaged.
Why should you go?
More than just a retrospective, this exhibition is a lesson in civic responsibility. Through drafts of his most famous speeches and period photographs, visitors grasp the scope of a life dedicated to protecting the individual against the state. Here, we rediscover that justice, as Badinter shaped it, seeks not only to punish but to remain humane, even in the face of the worst.
📍 Where: Panthéon, Place du Panthéon, Paris 5th arrondissement.
🗓️ When: Through May 25, 2026.
🎟️ Price: Included with your Panthéon tickets (approximately €13).