The absolute power was thus preparing a rampart against encroachments of authority on the part of the sovereign courts; it had fortified itself beforehand against the pretensions of the States-general, "which cannot pretend to be anything but a more extended council on behalf of the sovereign, the latter still remaining supreme arbiter of their representations and their grievances." Certain useful ameliorations in the criminal legislation, amongst others total abolition of torture, completed the sum of edicts.

A decree of the council declared all the parliarnents prorogued until the formation of the great bailliecourts.

The plenary court was to assemble forthwith at Versailles.

It only sat once; in presence of the opposition amongst the majority of the men summoned to compose it, the ministers, unforeseeing and fickle even with all their ability and their boldness, found themselves obliged to adjourn the sittings indefinitely.

All the members of the Parliament of Paris had bound themselves by a solemn oath not to take a place in any other assembly.