Judicial diplomacy: dealing with defectors and conspirators after the French Wars of Religion (1598–1610)

Abstract

Abstract This article examines the cooperation that took place between Henri IV’s monarchy and neighbouring powers to monitor and deal with the defectors and conspirators who fled France following the Wars of Religion. In the political and legal culture of the time, intergovernmental cooperation in judicial matters was seen as an obligation between friendly princes. Powers allied to France, such as England, Lorraine, Venice, Tuscany or the Papacy, shared an interest in this form of cooperation, and this generated a vast European network of information-sharing dealing with fugitives from France, a network that mobilized diplomatic channels, but also relied upon the initiative of non-governmental actors. Friendly powers also agreed to extradite opponents to Henri IV under variable arrangements. Alongside diplomats, governors, officers and local magistrates played an important role in these practices. This cooperation, however, was also enveloped in ambiguities, misunderstandings and tensions.