French minister of justice is on trial for allegedly settling scores using his position.

Widespread criticism has been directed at Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti for his refusal to step down during the trial, or at least to relinquish his position supervising France’s legal system.

Dupont-Moretti, a formerly well-known attorney, is charged with misusing his authority as justice minister to direct inquiries against magistrates who looked into him, his associates, or his previous clients.

He refutes any misconduct. If found guilty of charges of improper conflict of interest, he may receive a sentence of up to five years in prison and fines of half a million euros.

Legal historians claim that this trial is the first instance of a government minister being tried while still in office in contemporary French history. Up until recently, it was assumed that ministers who were the subject of an investigation would automatically retire.

President Emmanuel Macron nominated Dupond-Moretti as justice minister in 2020, and he has stated he will stay in that position during the trial, which is scheduled to conclude on November 17. Prior to the start of the trial on Monday, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne reaffirmed her support for Dupond-Moretti.

The government is putting him on trial at the Court of Justice of the Republic, a special court, for alleged crimes. Twelve members of parliament, six from the lower house and six from the Senate, will be present together with three professional magistrates who will render a decision. To determine guilt and sentence, eight votes must be cast in favor of the decision.

The magistrates’ unions released a statement before to the trial stating, “This situation is unprecedented: A justice minister in office is judged by the Court of Justice of the Republic for infractions committed while he carries out his job.