In an unprecedented case that has raised concerns about checks and balances in French democracy, France's justice minister, Éric Dupond-Moretti, is set to stand trial on charges of using his position to settle personal scores. This marks the first time in modern France that a government minister has been put on trial while still in office, according to legal historians.

Dupond-Moretti, a former high-profile lawyer, is accused of abusing his role as justice minister to initiate investigations targeting magistrates who had previously investigated him, his friends, or his former clients. The allegations include illegal conflict of interest. If convicted, Dupond-Moretti could face up to five years in prison and a fine of half a million euros.

Despite facing trial, Dupond-Moretti has refused to resign or step aside from his position overseeing France's justice system. This decision has drawn wide criticism, with many questioning the ability of the justice minister to impartially fulfill his duties while facing such serious allegations. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has reiterated her support for Dupond-Moretti ahead of the trial.

The trial will take place in the Court of Justice of the Republic, a special court for government-related wrongdoing. Dupond-Moretti will face three professional magistrates accompanied by 12 members of parliament, who will issue a ruling. A majority of eight votes is required to determine guilt and sentence.

Magistrates' unions have expressed concern about the credibility of the justice minister and the potential weakening of the entire justice system due to this unprecedented trial. Dupond-Moretti is considered one of France's leading criminal lawyers, known for his record 145 acquittals. However, in recent years, his relations with certain magistrates had soured, leading to the opening of administrative investigations against them upon his appointment as justice minister.

The investigations ultimately found no wrongdoing by the four magistrates. However, magistrates' unions filed a legal complaint against Dupond-Moretti, alleging that the investigations were unfounded and an attempt to use his position as minister to settle personal scores. The trial will focus on these allegations.

Dupond-Moretti has emphasized that he wants to avoid any conflict of interest and has pledged to defend "integrity and morality" like all other ministers. Despite the trial, he maintains that the ministry will continue to function. Critics from both left and right have questioned why he did not step aside during the trial and have argued for government ministers to be tried in traditional courts where civil parties can participate, instead of a special court with its own rules.

The trial is expected to last until November 17, with the outcome closely watched as it could have far-reaching implications for both the justice minister and the French justice system as a whole.