[Accounting failures in public officials or notaries. Medico-legal approach]

Considering 11 cases of psychiatric expert reports in criminal cases, the author's aim is to describe the criminological aspects of offences by notaries, mainly swindle and breach of trust. It appears that can be found in this professional category, personality types already described for "closely acquainted", or business crooks, as well as four obviously pathological cases, coming within the provisions of article 64 of the criminal code. Beyond the fact that there is a specific pre-criminal situation: dealing with contracts, assets, funds etc... the authors notices in several cases a discrepancy between the weak and immature personality of some notaries and the importance of the office with which they are entrusted. Thus the requirement of ability and sufficient professional qualification was not always met. The authors would be interested in further similar observations, to confirm or infirm their conclusions.