Week 17- Prefects, police, and control Flashcards
What were Napoleon’s main aims in his reforms on the administration of justice?
Assert his control, bring about stability, reduce opposition after years of change and uncertainty, prevent lawlessness- both political and general misbehaviour, secure his own position.
What happened to the voting rights of the public?
Only local magistrates continued to be directly elected by citizens, all other judges were directly appointed.
What did the term of service for local magistrates extend to?
From 3 to 10 years.
The remaining judges were appointed for life.
How were judges of the highest court chosen?
Chosen by the senate, from the list of notables.
How were judges of the lower courts chosen?
Selected by the First Consul from departmental lists.
How long did this method of appointing judges last?
The lists were abandoned in 1802.
Napoleon made direct appointments of positions.
When was there an extensive purge of administrative personnel?
1807
When were ‘special courts’ established
1801
What was the role of ‘special courts’?
‘suppression of brigandage’.
They worked without juries and had powers to impose the death penalty.
Why was the system of elected councils running local government failing?
There was no direct communication between local councils and general government.
Local governments often lacked the money to operate effectively.
When did Napoleon issue a law revising the French administrative system?
February 1800
What changes did Napoleon make with his administrative reforms of 1800?
Napoleon built upon the introduction of départements from the reforms of 1790.
Created préfects directly responsible for carrying out central authority in the départements.
Where did Napoleon implement his administrative reforms of 1800?
He introduced them on a provincial level to build the state from the bottom up, creating a sense of pride amongst the lower levels.
How did Napoleon reform the role of prefects?
To be appointed by the First Consul.
Chosen for their administrative skill.
68% of prefects appointed from 1800 had been previously employed in the revolutionary government. The majority were either haute bourgeoise or former nobility.
What was the role of prefects?
They would report to the government about subversive behaviour, spread propaganda and ensure all government orders were carried out.
