Strategic Lawyering Published on 1 May 2012 by Thomas Caveng
Sexual harassment: André Soulier obtained the repeal of Article 222-33 of the French Criminal Code
In a case defended by André Soulier, the Constitutional Council was expected to issue a ruling on an application for a priority preliminary ruling on the issue of constitutionality.
The question to be answered was as follows: Can sexual harassment, an offense punished by Article 223-33 of the French Criminal Code, result from a single expression of desire or seduction of a person, in the absence of any sexual assault, an offense punished by another Article of the French Criminal Code?
On May 4, the Constitutional Council rendered its decision and, following the argumentation developed by André Soulier, ordered the repeal of this Article, with immediate effect.
Thomas Caveng
Legal Translator / Marketing Director