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From the victims’ point of view, the trial of the January 2015 attacks had to be perceived as exemplary with Justice being seen to be done. Given its exceptional nature, the trial needed more than ever to be a fair one. The fact that responsibility for the awarding of damages to the victims has been handed over to the Guarantee Fund for Victims of Terrorist Acts and Other Offences (FGTI) and the judge responsible for compensation for victims of terrorism (JIVAT) has enabled victims to maintain a certain distance from the criminal trial. The joining of civil parties to the proceedings and the decision on the admissibility of their claims are an essential form of acknowledgment. Although different and diverse, the victims and their families came across as united by terror and suffering, a desire to understand and an immense dignity. The response of the criminal justice system was anticipated as a way to bring closure to the huge upheaval caused by the attacks. The civil judgment, for its part, gives the victims official recognition of their status. A great deal is expected of this judgment and it applies a rigorous methodology to the principle and criteria of the admissibility of the civil parties’ claims. It is therefore the assize Court that has absolute authority to recognise the victim’s status as a victim in the event of any challenges in the compensation process.