This conflict of special justice and criminal justice gave rise to questions of competence which came before the courts of appeal.

If the department of the Aube had had a special court, the verdict on the outrage committed on a senator of the Empire would no doubt have been referred to it; but this tranquil department had never needed unusual jurisdiction.

Grevin therefore despatched the sub-lieutenant to Troyes to bring the director of the jury of that town.
The emissary went at full gallop, and soon returned in a post-carriage with the all-powerful magistrate.
The director of the Troyes jury was formerly secretary of one of the committees of the Convention, a friend of Malin, to whom he owed his present place.

This magistrate, named Lechesneau, had helped Malin, as Grevin had done, in his work on the Code during the Convention.

Malin in return recommended him to Cambaceres, who appointed him attorney-general for Italy.