Em 15 segundos
- Used for legal cases currently under judicial investigation.
- Specifically refers to the judge-led evidence-gathering phase.
- Not for manual instructions or classroom teaching.
Significado
This phrase describes a legal case that is currently being investigated by a judge to gather evidence before a trial begins.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Watching the evening news
L'affaire de corruption est toujours à l'instruction.
The corruption case is still under investigation.
A lawyer talking to a client
Votre dossier est à l'instruction depuis six mois.
Your file has been under investigation for six months.
Discussing a local scandal with a neighbor
Tu savais que le maire a une affaire à l'instruction ?
Did you know the mayor has a case under investigation?
Contexto cultural
The 'juge d'instruction' is a central figure in French culture, often portrayed in media as a lonely hero fighting corruption. The phrase 'à l'instruction' implies a slow, meticulous process. Belgium follows a similar system. However, the 'instruction' phase has been subject to reforms to increase transparency compared to the traditional French model. Unlike France, Quebec uses a common law system for criminal matters. Therefore, 'à l'instruction' is NOT used in the same way. They use 'enquête préliminaire'. Switzerland recently abolished the 'juge d'instruction' at the federal level, moving toward a prosecutor-led system, though the term 'instruction' is still used for the investigative phase led by the prosecutor.
Sound like a local
When talking about politics, use 'L'affaire est en cours d'instruction' to sound more natural and informed.
Avoid 'sous'
Never say 'sous l'instruction'. It's a dead giveaway that you are translating from English.
Em 15 segundos
- Used for legal cases currently under judicial investigation.
- Specifically refers to the judge-led evidence-gathering phase.
- Not for manual instructions or classroom teaching.
What It Means
Imagine a detective wearing a judge's robe. That is basically what happens here. In French law, à l'instruction means a case is being officially investigated. A specific judge is gathering all the evidence. They look for things that prove guilt and innocence. It is a deep dive into the facts. It happens before any trial starts. It is the 'fact-finding' stage of the process. Think of it as the 'in-progress' status for a court file. It is not about teaching or learning. It is about the law.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with the verb être. You might say, Le dossier est à l'instruction. It functions like an adjective describing the status of a case. It is very common in news broadcasts. You will hear journalists use it constantly. It sounds very official and serious. You can also use it with nouns. You might hear about an affaire à l'instruction. It is a bit like saying 'under investigation' in English. Just remember it is specifically for the judicial phase. It is not for a police officer's initial search.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing legal matters or scandals. If a friend asks about a famous court case, use this. It shows you understand the French legal process. You can use it in professional settings too. It fits perfectly in a business meeting about legal compliance. It is great for sounding like a savvy citizen. You will see it in newspapers like *Le Monde*. It is the standard way to describe a pending case. Use it when you want to be precise about the law.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for your IKEA furniture. If you are following a manual, use la notice. Do not use it for a teacher's directions. That would be les consignes. If you say your homework is à l'instruction, people will laugh. They will think a judge is grading your math. Keep it strictly for the courtroom and the news. It is also not for general 'learning.' For that, use l'enseignement or l'éducation. Avoid it in casual chats about your daily habits.
Cultural Background
France uses an 'inquisitorial' legal system. This is different from the US or UK. In those countries, lawyers fight it out in court. In France, the juge d'instruction does the heavy lifting first. This judge is a powerful and iconic figure. They are often portrayed in French TV dramas. They represent the state's search for the absolute truth. The phrase carries a lot of weight in French society. It implies that the law is taking a serious look at something. It is a cornerstone of French justice.
Common Variations
You might hear en cours d'instruction. This means exactly the same thing. It emphasizes that the process is currently moving. You will also see juge d'instruction. This is the person in charge of the case. Sometimes people say le secret de l'instruction. This refers to the legal requirement for investigations to be private. You might also hear clôture de l'instruction. That means the investigation is finally finished. Each variation keeps the legal flavor alive.
Notas de uso
This phrase is strictly legal and formal. Avoid using it in casual contexts unless you are making a joke about something being 'under review.'
Sound like a local
When talking about politics, use 'L'affaire est en cours d'instruction' to sound more natural and informed.
Avoid 'sous'
Never say 'sous l'instruction'. It's a dead giveaway that you are translating from English.
The Secret
Remember that 'le secret de l'instruction' is a very serious thing in France. Journalists can get in trouble for leaking details!
Exemplos
6L'affaire de corruption est toujours à l'instruction.
The corruption case is still under investigation.
A standard way for journalists to report on ongoing legal matters.
Votre dossier est à l'instruction depuis six mois.
Your file has been under investigation for six months.
Indicates the current status of the client's legal case.
Tu savais que le maire a une affaire à l'instruction ?
Did you know the mayor has a case under investigation?
Using the phrase to discuss public news in a casual setting.
Dans le docu, l'affaire est restée à l'instruction pendant 10 ans !
In the documentary, the case stayed under investigation for 10 years!
Expressing surprise at the length of the legal process.
Ma demande de congé est encore à l'instruction chez le patron.
My vacation request is still under investigation by the boss.
Using legal jargon to joke about a slow approval process.
Nous attendons que l'affaire soit enfin mise à l'instruction.
We are waiting for the case to finally be put under investigation.
Expressing a deep hope for justice to begin.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and noun.
Le juge a décidé de mettre l'affaire ______.
In French legal terminology, the fixed phrase is 'à l'instruction'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'à l'instruction'?
Choose the correct context:
'À l'instruction' is a specific legal term for judicial investigations.
Match the French term with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the core terms related to the 'instruction' phase.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
3 exerciciosLe juge a décidé de mettre l'affaire ______.
In French legal terminology, the fixed phrase is 'à l'instruction'.
Choose the correct context:
'À l'instruction' is a specific legal term for judicial investigations.
Combine cada item a esquerda com seu par a direita:
These are the core terms related to the 'instruction' phase.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasNo, it simply means an investigation is happening. The person is still presumed innocent.
Only if it's a serious criminal case (like manslaughter) where a judge is appointed. For simple insurance, use 'constat'.
'Enquête' is general (police), while 'instruction' is specific to a judge's formal inquiry.
No, it is primarily a criminal law term. In civil law, we speak of 'mise en état'.
Frases relacionadas
mis en examen
builds onto be placed under formal investigation
non-lieu
contrastdismissal of charges
information judiciaire
synonymjudicial inquiry
renvoi devant le tribunal
builds onsending to trial
