
Manon Cop and
Emma Martin
Two criminal defense lawyers with a particular expertise in sexual offense cases take you behind the scenes of sexual criminal law. Drawing from their daily practice, they share their passion for the field, as well as the complexity and emotional intensity that come with it. Manon has also written a handbook on the reform of sexual criminal law, and together they regularly publish legal articles on the subject.
A Day in the Life of a Sexual Offences Lawyer
In this lecture, Manon and Emma offer a practical insight into the daily reality of working as a lawyer in sexual offence cases. Drawing on their professional experience, they explain how a criminal procedure unfolds in practice, from the first complaint to the courtroom, and highlight the specific legal and human challenges that arise in sexual offence cases. The session explores how lawyers can represent both suspects and victims, and why psychological support is an essential part of meaningful legal assistance. Attention is also given to the limits of the current system and to areas where future improvements are needed. Finally, the practical application of sexual criminal law is illustrated through real‑life case examples, offering participants a concrete and nuanced view of how the law operates beyond theory.
