Born in Annonay, Abrial trained as a lawyer, though he suffered from a stutter which made his practice difficult. After the Coup of 18 Brumaire, Napoleon appointed him Keeper of the Seals and Minister of Justice, telling him "It is not me, it is the public voice that nominates you." As minister, he reorganized the judicial system, took part in the development and implementation of the Napoleonic Code, in France and abroad. He was appointed to the Sénat conservateur in 1802.
