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Légifrance: French law and case law

Légifrance is the French government's official legal information service, run by the Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (DILA). It publishes the Journal officiel, the consolidated codes and laws in force, decrees, collective agreements and court decisions. The Court of Cassation runs its own case law search, Judilibre.

What it publishes

• The Journal officiel de la République française, where laws and decrees are published.
• Consolidated versions of the codes (civil, labour, tax and others) and of laws and regulations, with past versions.
• Decisions of the Constitutional Council, the Council of State and the Court of Cassation.
• Collective labour agreements.
• Parliamentary files linking laws to their debates.

Key datasets

• Légifrance search
  Search by text, number or date across laws, codes, decrees and case law.
  Updated: Daily
• Court of Cassation: Judilibre
  Open search of decisions from the Court of Cassation and, progressively, the courts of appeal.
  Updated: Continuous
• Constitutional Council decisions
  All decisions on the constitutionality of laws, including priority questions (QPC).
  Updated: Continuous

APIs and downloads

• DILA open data files
  Bulk XML files of LEGI (consolidated law), JORF (Journal officiel) and case law databases.
• PISTE API portal
  Government API portal giving access to the Légifrance and Judilibre APIs after registration.

When it publishes

Légifrance adds each issue of the Journal officiel on the day it appears and updates consolidated texts as amendments come into force.

How to use it to check a claim

1. Check the version in force on the date in question: Légifrance shows each article's history.
2. Distinguish a law (loi) passed by Parliament from a decree (décret) or order (arrêté) issued by the government.
3. For a claim about a new law, check whether it has been published in the Journal officiel and whether implementing decrees exist.
4. For court rulings, give the court, date and case number.

Common mistakes

• Quoting a bill (projet or proposition de loi) as if it were law.
• Citing a repealed article from an old consolidated version.
• Assuming one court decision sets a binding rule for all cases.

How do I find a French law?

Search Légifrance by keyword, number (for example 'loi n° 2016-1321') or date. Codes can be browsed by article. The site is in French; some texts have unofficial English translations.

Is Légifrance free?

Yes. Légifrance and its open data files are free to use.

Questions answered using this source

• What are the income tax rates in France?
• What is the minimum wage (SMIC) in France?

Links checked 14 October 2026. This page describes what the source publishes and gives no verdict on any claim.