A mock trial at the Théâtre de la Concorde on the banks of the Seine

Published by Philippine de Sortiraparis · Published on December 4, 2024 at 09:51 a.m.
Opening its doors on October 5 and 6, the Théâtre de la Concorde was conceived as a place for debate, reflection, contradictions and creation, where art and democracy are linked. This Monday, December 9, the theater hosts a mock trial on the theme: what if the Seine could defend its rights in court?

How about taking part in your first mock trial? The Théâtre de la Concorde invites you to join us this Monday, December 9 at 6 p.m. for an immersive evening on current environmental and legal issues. In this first-of-its-kind mock trial, the Seine becomes a subject of law, capable of bringing charges against those who pollute it.

Who are the defendants in the mock trial? La Seine accuses an industrial company of massive ecological damage following a dramatic case of fictitious chemical pollution in the summer of 2024. Realistically staged, the trial raises vital questions about the limits of the current French legal framework and environmental issues.

Who will be speaking? Through the testimonies of magistrates, lawyers, elected representatives and experts, plunge into the heart of the complexity of environmental offenses and discover the changes needed in the law to effectively protect nature, particularly on rivers such as the Seine. The experience will be interactive, as you closely follow the testimony, pleadings and closing arguments of the players in the mock trial. The trial will be kicked off by Théâtre de la Concorde director Elsa Boublil, followed by a speech by Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris.

In this trial at the Théâtre de la Concorde, the moot court will examine a complaint lodged against a company accused of causing major pollution. The lawyer representing the Seine will plead in favor of the river as a legal entity, while the cities of Paris and Rouen will intervene as civil parties, demanding recognition of the ecological damage suffered.

Here is a list of the key players in the mock trial who will be present at the Théâtre de la Concorde:

  • Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris
  • Pierre Rabadan, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of sport, the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Seine River
  • Elsa Boublil, Director, Théâtre de la Concorde
  • Vanessa Bousardo, vice-bâtonnière of the Paris Bar Association
  • Marine Calmet, President of the Wild Legal association
  • Julie Couturier, lawyer
  • Charlène Descollonges, hydrologist
  • Laurent Fonbaustier, professor of public law
  • Jean-Michel Hayat, Honorary President of the Paris Court of Appeal
  • Pierre Hoffman, President of the Paris Bar Association
  • Patrick Klugman, lawyer
  • Corinne Lepage, lawyer, doctor of law, former Minister of the Environment (1995-1997) and former MEP (2009-2014)
  • Sophie Louet, Mayor of Source-Seine
  • Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, Mayor of Rouen
  • Edgar Mora, Mayor of Curridabat, Costa Rica
  • François Molins, Magistrate, Honorary Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation
  • Laurence Roques, lawyer
  • Representatives of civil society
The mock trial will also be punctuated by contributions from experts at the Théâtre de la Concorde, including Marion Chapouton (GRIDAUH) and Charlène Descolonges, a specialist hydrological engineer, Severine Wasselin (Founder of Watertrek) and Marine Calmet (President of Wild Legal). Their stories will highlight the ecological and legal consequences of the Seine 's pollution, supporting the drive for recognition of nature's rights. Tickets are free and can be reserved via this link.

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On December 9, 2024
Starts at 06:00 p.m.

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    1 avenue Gabriel
    75008 Paris 8

    Route planner

    Prices
    Free

    Booking
    billetterie.theatredelaconcorde.paris

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