Joseph Omer Joly de Fleury

Omer Joly de Fleury

Joseph Omer Joly de Fleury (1715 – 1810) was a prominent French magistrate and prosecutor during the 18th century. He is best known for his role in the Affair of the Diamond Necklace, a scandal that tarnished the reputation of Marie Antoinette and contributed to the discontent leading up to the French Revolution.

Early Life and Career[edit | edit source]

Joseph Omer Joly de Fleury was born in 1715 into a family with a strong legal tradition. He pursued a career in law, following in the footsteps of his father, who was also a magistrate. Joly de Fleury quickly rose through the ranks of the French judicial system, earning a reputation for his diligence and integrity.

Role in the Affair of the Diamond Necklace[edit | edit source]

The Affair of the Diamond Necklace was a significant event in Joly de Fleury's career. In 1785, he was appointed as the prosecutor in the case, which involved a fraudulent scheme to acquire a highly valuable diamond necklace intended for Marie Antoinette. The scandal implicated several high-profile individuals, including Cardinal de Rohan and Jeanne de la Motte-Valois.

Joly de Fleury's prosecution was thorough and meticulous, and his efforts were instrumental in bringing the conspirators to justice. The trial and its outcome further damaged the already fragile reputation of the French monarchy, contributing to the growing unrest that eventually led to the French Revolution.

Later Life and Legacy[edit | edit source]

After the Affair of the Diamond Necklace, Joly de Fleury continued to serve in the French judicial system. He remained a respected figure in legal circles until his death in 1810. His work in the Affair of the Diamond Necklace is often cited as a key example of the legal and political challenges faced by the French monarchy in the years leading up to the revolution.