Law of Suspects

The Law of Suspects was enacted during the French Revolution in 1793, allowing authorities to arrest individuals believed to pose a threat to the revolution’s ideals. It expanded the power to detain without the need for concrete evidence, targeting anyone suspected of counter-revolutionary activities or holding opposing views. The law facilitated mass arrests and led to widespread political repression, often based on vague associations or accusations. In essence, it created a legal framework prioritizing suspicion over proof, enabling the government to suppress dissent and consolidate revolutionary control.