Understanding the French Legal Hierarchy, A Pyramid of Laws and Regulations
Legal Hierarchy Pyramid Diagram
This diagram visually represents the layered structure of the French legal system, often depicted as a pyramid. At its narrow top are foundational constitutional articles. Below that, international law, including community law, forms the next tier. The broader mid-section encompasses national laws, jurisprudence (case law), and contracts, indicating a significant volume of texts. Finally, the widest base illustrates the immense number of daily administrative decisions, orders, regulations, and decrees that directly affect citizens, showing the increasing volume and specificity as one descends the hierarchy.
