Tania Jewczuk, a magistrate with nearly two decades of experience in French courts, has taken on a newly created role that blends judicial authority with public communication. Appointed in May as the first official spokesperson for the Paris Court of Appeal, she is tasked with explaining court decisions to the public, aiming to rebuild trust in a justice system increasingly scrutinized by media coverage and political controversy.
A New Voice for the Judiciary
The position emerged from growing public skepticism toward judicial outcomes, particularly in high-profile cases that dominate headlines. “The idea of creating a spokesperson for jurisdictions, in order to better communicate on judicial decisions, is not new,” Jewczuk told Actu-Juridique. “Reflections have been ongoing for several years.” While prosecutors’ offices already follow formal communication protocols under Article 11 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, judges at the appellate level had little structure for engaging with the press or clarifying rulings.
Jewczuk’s mandate is narrowly defined: explain decisions without interpreting or commenting on them. She may also accompany events or describe how the justice system operates, but during crises involving personal attacks on magistrates or threats to institutional integrity, that responsibility falls to the court’s first president. Her office was established without a fixed statute, evolving organically as new challenges arise.
With over 38,000 civil rulings and roughly 16,500 criminal judgments issued annually by the Paris Court of Appeal alone, Jewczuk cannot monitor every case. Instead, selections are made collaboratively — journalists often flag cases of interest, while magistrates themselves suggest decisions that warrant clarification. These discussions involve coordination with chamber presidents and consideration of the broader judicial calendar.
Her work involves more than simply releasing statements. Each statement begins with a thorough review of lengthy judgments, sometimes spanning hundreds of pages. Magistrates who authored the ruling typically draft an initial summary, which Jewczuk refines through iterative feedback. In anticipation of media attention, she prepares responses to likely questions, exploring various angles to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Behind the Scenes of Judicial Transparency
Although she does not rule out future appearances in broadcast interviews, Jewczuk currently limits her engagement to written press releases and direct correspondence with reporters seeking context. “My role is not to participate in the judicial debate,” she said. “Simply to recall the content of a decision, explain its context, procedure, and legal qualifications.” This approach reflects both practical constraints and a desire to maintain neutrality.
Communication tools include detailed glossaries accompanying press releases, defining terms and procedural steps that might confuse non-specialists. Jewczuk also fields direct inquiries from journalists needing further explanation about specific rulings or court functions. Additionally, she helps promote awareness of institutional developments, such as the recent opening of a renovated section of the Palais de Justice, where she hosted AFP for a guided tour.
Jewczuk brings deep experience in international law to the position. Before joining the Paris Court of Appeal, she worked extensively in cross-border legal cooperation.
All these experiences shaped her vision for bridging gaps between law and society. “Whether implementing international conventions or serving as a spokesperson domestically, the goal remains the same: supporting greater understanding of how justice works,” she explained. “Contributing to restoring confidence in justice through this role is a motivating challenge.”
Coordination with media outlets varies depending on the case’s sensitivity and public interest. Journalists often reach out directly to Jewczuk’s office for clarification, especially when covering complex litigation. These interactions help ensure accurate reporting while avoiding speculation. For high-profile cases, additional briefings may be arranged with chamber presidents to provide further procedural background.
Training and Institutional Impact
The introduction of this spokesperson role has prompted internal discussions among magistrates at the Paris Court of Appeal. Some judges now proactively consult with Jewczuk before finalizing decisions that could attract media attention. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the need for transparency, though it also introduces new workflow considerations. Regular meetings between Jewczuk and chamber heads help align communication strategies with ongoing judicial activities.
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