Global Summary: The Decree of 1714

This is the story of a failed criminal conspiracy. Several individuals (Chopin, Bailly, and others) attempted to frame Pierre Jubinville, Changeur¹, for a crime. Although Jubinville was initially imprisoned, he fought back fiercely in court.

The lower court's first judgment was extremely severe (sentencing the conspirators to the galleys and public penance). Upon appeal, the Parlement de Paris (the high court) confirmed the guilt of the ringleaders and ordered them to pay 2,000 livres to Jubinville. Simultaneously, the court exonerated the subordinates who had been caught up in the legal turmoil.

Original Archive: View the 4-page PDF transcript of the original decree.

Download Arret_Pierre_Jubinville.pdf

I. Document Overview

Title: Arrest de Nosseigneurs de Parlement (Decree of the Lords of Parliament).
Date: October 5, 1714.
Legal Authority: The Chambre des Vacations of the Parlement de Paris.

II. The Parties Involved

The Accuser: Pierre Jubinville, money changer, residing in Paris. Identified as the "Plaintiff and Accuser."
The Accused (Appellants): Pierre Lamblin and several others, including Laurent Chopin (cook), Jean-Baptiste Bailly (carpenter), François Doucet (lieutenant), and Denis Vanquetin (prison warden).

III. The Nature of the Dispute

The decree addresses a case of malicious slander (calumny). Jubinville originally brought charges at the Châtelet de Paris. While the Châtelet initially convicted Lamblin, the Parliament overturned that specific ruling, exonerating Lamblin while declaring that the original plot against Jubinville was a "slanderous accusation."

IV. The Conspiracy Against Pierre Jubinville

The text reveals that Chopin and Bailly "conspired to fabricate a false complaint" against Jubinville under the fictitious name "Chouet." This plot was deliberately designed to have Jubinville wrongfully imprisoned, which did occur initially.

V. Initial Sentences (from the Châtelet)

Before the Parliament intervened, the first judge had sentenced the conspirators to brutal punishments:

Public Penance: Chopin and Bailly were to appear stripped to their shirts with a noose around their necks, begging forgiveness.
The Galleys: Sentenced to serve as galley slaves for three years.
Financial Redress: Ordered to pay 2,000 livres in civil reparations to Jubinville.

Historical Significance: This case demonstrates that Pierre Jubinville, Changeur, was not a simple peasant; he was a man of some means and status, capable of defending himself against a conspiracy involving tradesmen and even corrupt judicial officers in Paris.

VI. Final Decision and Financial Verdict

The Parliament refined the sentence to ensure justice was properly served:

Discharge of Subordinates: The court cleared Vanquetin, Ravoisier, and Brunet, ruling they were not part of the conspiracy.
Final Fines: The 2,000 livres fine against the ringleaders (Chopin, Bailly, and Dumas) was upheld. Jacques Lange’s liability was reduced to 200 livres.
Sanctions for the Officer: François Doucet, the officer who arrested Jubinville brutally, received a formal reprimand (admonition) and was fined for the "prisoners' bread."

VII. Conclusion and Execution

Clearing the Record: The court ordered the release of the innocent parties (Lamblin and Desbarres). Their names were "struck and erased" from prison registries.
Restoration of Honor: Lamblin was authorized to print and post this decree publicly to restore his reputation.
Final Imprisonment: The ringleaders were sent back to face the execution of their physical sentences.

1. Changeur: French for currency or money changer.

The Profession of "Changeur" in 1714 Paris

In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the profession of money changer played a crucial role in economic life. At a time when monetary systems were complex and unstandardized, their expertise was essential.

Main Role

Currency Exchange: Exchanging coins from different regions, kingdoms, and trading cities.
Verification: Verifying the authenticity, weight, and metal content of precious coins to prevent fraud.
Assessment: Evaluating the relative value of currencies (écus, louis d’or, foreign coins).

Broader Financial Activities

Beyond simple exchange, money changers held accounts for merchants and nobles, carried out payments using bills of exchange, and granted short-term credit. Some became highly influential financiers, acting as early precursors to modern bankers.

Professional Framework

In Paris, they were organized into a regulated guild. Their business was centered in specific districts, most notably near the Pont au Change, the bridge named specifically for this activity.