Dénonciation

Dénonciation is the act of informing the competent authorities about a crime, wrongdoing, or suspected illegality. The term is used in French-speaking legal and administrative contexts to denote a formal or informal report that may initiate an inquiry or investigation. It can be carried out by private individuals, professionals, or organizations, and may concern acts ranging from corruption and fraud to abuse or other illegal conduct. The denouncer may or may not disclose their identity, depending on the jurisdiction and the mode of report.

In many legal systems, a denunciation can be made to police, gendarmerie, prosecutors, or other authorities. It can take the form of a direct report, a written statement, or a complaint that triggers procedural steps. A denunciation is distinct from a plainte (a formal complaint typically filed by a victim or witness that seeks prosecution) and from a signalement (a report to social or protective services, for example in cases of child or elder abuse). However, these terms can overlap in practice, and procedures vary by country.

False denunciation, or dénonciation calomnieuse, is itself a crime in many jurisdictions. It entails knowingly making a report with the intent to defame or cause harm, and it can carry criminal penalties independent of the outcome of the investigated matter.

Whistleblowing is a related concept in corporate and public contexts, where individuals disclose misconduct within an organization to external authorities or to internal channels. Protections for whistleblowers vary, but many legal frameworks aim to shield reporters from retaliation while preserving the integrity of investigations.