Two new functions inserted in the Judicial Code

Summary

The law of January 18, 2024 introduces the functions of environmental judge and substitute for the prosecutor specializing in the environment, without obligation of appointment, aiming for more effective justice in environmental law. The Mons Court of Appeal has proactively specialized a chamber in environmental and town planning matters.

Environmental judge and deputy of the King’s prosecutor specializing in environmental matters: Two new functions inserted in the Judicial Code.

The law of January 18, 2024, aiming to make justice more humane, faster and firmer III, thus recognizes the importance and complexity of environmental law.

However, there is no obligation to appoint an environmental judge to each court. There is also no obligation for the King’s Prosecutor to be assisted by a substitute specializing in environmental matters.

No similar provision either for the composition of courts of appeal.

The Mons Court of Appeal, however, did not wait to be forced to do so to decide, by order of its President of September 9, 2021, to assign all civil and criminal cases relating to the environment to the 15th chamber E. and town planning.