The Dreyfus Affair: A Landmark Case in French Judicial History

Summary The Dreyfus Affair was a 12-year episode in French justice that touched upon the pillars of the French Third Republic - justice, anti-Semitism, and the tension between civilian and military authorities. Captain Alfred Dreyfus, an Alsatian Jew, was falsely accused of treason and convicted in a closed military court. The case involved a miscarriage of justice, with dubious evidence and a cover-up by the French army. Despite evidence of innocence, Dreyfus was initially found guilty twice, but public outcry and pressure led to his retrial and eventual exoneration. The Affair highlighted anti-Semitism in French society, led to judicial reforms, and remains a pivotal chapter in French history, serving as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of a transparent justice system.