Since 2021, there has been a notable rise in disciplinary proceedings against French magistrates, with the number of cases doubling compared to the previous five years. The surge in cases correlates with the controversial appointment of Éric Dupond-Moretti as Minister of Justice, whose fraught relationship with the judiciary led to a record number of referrals to the Conseil supérieur de la magistrature in his first year. These figures show the increasing willingness to address misconduct within the judiciary, which had previously been a taboo subject.

Despite the rising number of disciplinary actions, the actual sanctions imposed on magistrates remain marginal, suggesting a disconnect between the identification of issues and the accountability measures taken. Following Dupond-Moretti's term, his successor has continued to engage the judiciary with a more collaborative approach but has maintained the annual number of disciplinary referrals at around a dozen. This indicates a sustained level of scrutiny over magistrates' conduct, reflecting broader societal concerns about integrity and accountability within the judicial system.

The year-on-year increase in referrals highlights not only the internal struggles of the judicial system but also underscores the critical implications for public trust in legal institutions. As allegations of conflicts of interest, leaks, and serious misconduct such as sexual violence come to light, the judiciary's response will be pivotal in shaping the future relationship between magistrates and the public, as well as the broader perception of justice in France.