In some countries, matters relating to the maintenance of law and order and the administration of justice are the responsibility of a separate justice ministry.

The EU’s justice commissioner, Viviane Reding, has rightly threatened to take legal action against France, which may lead to large and humiliating fines.

The EU's justice commissioner, Viviane Reding, has rightly threatened to take legal action against France, which may lead to large and humiliating fines.