The Parlement de Bretagne held a complex and often tense role vis-à-vis the French government. As late as the 16th century, the Duchy of Brittany was an independent state with its own customs, traditions, army, money and language. The Duchy fought several wars in the years leading up to the union of the Duchy with the French monarchy in 1532. Upon joining the monarchy, Breton elites insisted on preserving their traditional rights and immunities – so-called “Breton liberties,” which included exemptions from certain taxes and the stipulation that new taxes or laws would respect local customs and be approved by Brittany’s own institutions. The special role granted to the Duchy meant that the Brittany Parliament held (limited) legislative powers within the French monarchy.
The Parliament served as a cour souveraine (sovereign court) in Brittany, hearing appeals from lower tribunals on both civil and criminal matters and issuing arrests (Middle French for an arrest warrant). The Parliament functioned similarly to state supreme courts in the United States. As a cour souveraine, only the King could overturn judgements made by the court. The Parliament was led by a group of présidents à mortier who purchased their position in the body, among whom a single premier président was selected by the King. Supporting them were the juristes (jurists) and procureurs (prosecutors). The clothing worn and customs followed by each member was strictly tied to their position within the court.
The Parliament also enforced the Coutume de Bretagne, a special set of laws governing the Brittany region.
