ABA Rule of Law Initiative News

ABA ROLI Efforts to Combat Extrajudicial Killings Continue

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:56:19 GMT

The ABA Rule of Law Initiative's (ABA ROLI's) Philippines office will sponsor its second and third regional conferences on extrajudicial killings and confronting impunity. These conferences are part of a program funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor to help reduce the politically–motivated assassinations of opposition leaders, labor organizers, farmers' advocates, journalists and others who are deemed a threat to local and national officials.

ABA ROLI Hosts its First Anti-Trafficking Training in Cameroon

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:56:19 GMT

Since the passage of a 2005 anti-trafficking in persons (anti-TIP) law, the Cameroonian government has stepped up its efforts to investigate and prosecute criminals involved in human trafficking rings. And yet, many actors in Cameroon charged with overseeing anti-TIP efforts lack sufficient knowledge about the phenomenon or about the 2005 law to effectively combat these crimes. The focus of the ABA Rule of Law Initiative's (ABA ROLI) efforts in Cameroon is to address this lack of capacity by training an array of anti-TIP actors.

ABA ROLI Hosts National Mock Trial Competition in Cambodia

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:56:19 GMT

On September 3–5, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative's (ABA ROLI's) Cambodia program hosted its second annual mock trial competition at the University of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. The competition featured teams from five Cambodian law schools, each competing for the honor of being crowned national champion. The students performed as defense attorneys, witnesses and prosecutors in a case involving a stolen purse. The teams presented their cases to a panel that included local Cambodian judges and international lawyers.

ABA ROLI Helps to Establish a Small Claims Court in the Philippines

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:56:19 GMT

In mid-September, the Philippines Supreme Court formally approved the small claims court rules and procedures that ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) staff helped to draft. The adoption of these rules and procedures will establish a new branch of the courts, which will be of considerable benefit to Filipino citizens and the court system alike. Due to the serious and debilitating backlog of civil cases in the Philippines, citizens must often wait years to resolve basic litigation. With the creation of the small claims court, minor disputes will be adjudicated much more quickly and the poorest Filipinos will experience greater access to justice.

Pro Bono Legal Clinic Opens in Yerevan, Armenia

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:56:19 GMT

The opening of Yerevan's first pro bono legal clinic proved worthy of celebration on September 2, with representatives from the Armenian government and judicial system, law schools, nongovernmental organizations, international donor institutions and the media in attendance. The clinic, which is housed at Open University's law school, will provide free legal services to economically and socially vulnerable groups in Armenian society. Outreach efforts will focus on connecting with refugees and with victims of political violence.

New Disciplinary System and Ethics Code Proven Effective in Kosovo

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:56:19 GMT

Reports of ethics violations by attorneys in Kosovo have increased dramatically in less than a year, yet—thanks to the new disciplinary system—the Kosovo Chamber of Advocates (KCA) has been efficient in resolving these cases. The recently-implemented ethics code and disciplinary system for attorneys and non-professional members of the legal community have increased the ability of the public to report abuses and the KCA's ability to effectively investigate and respond to those accusations. The ABA Rule of Law Initiative's legal specialists and other staff helped to draft the ethics code and to create the disciplinary system, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development.

ABA ROLI Promotes a More Robust Accusatorial System in Ecuador

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:56:19 GMT

The ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) continues its multi-disciplinary approach to promoting improved understanding of the accusatorial system in Ecuador. More than 200 representatives from the prosecutor's office, the National Judicial Council and the judicial police in Cuenca, Quito and Guayaquil attended three conferences held in August. The event was part of a series of conferences to better prepare judges, prosecutors and police for participation in oral trials, as mandated by the Criminal Procedure Code of 2000.

Podcast: Assessing Human Trafficking in Mexico

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:56:19 GMT

Gretchen Kuhner, an expert on trafficking and migrant rights, talks about implementing ABA ROLI's Human Trafficking Assessment Tool in Mexico. She shares insight into the methodology of the tool and the assessment process.

Yarmouk University Launches Alternative Dispute Resolution Course in Jordan

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:56:19 GMT

On September 18, Yarmouk University, one of the largest and oldest universities in Jordan, launched an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) course for undergraduate and graduate law students. The course, developed with ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) support, reflects the university's commitment to modern and practical legal curricula. ABA ROLI's work in Jordan has included efforts to build consensus around the need for legal education that better prepares students for the job market.

Students Advance Human Rights in Lebanon

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

After a successful inaugural year, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative and La Sagesse University in Beirut recently celebrated their jointly administered Human Rights Clinical Program by hosting a public forum for students to showcase their work.

Podcasts: Criminal Justice Reform in Ecuador

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

Charles Caruso, Director of ABA ROLI's Criminal Justice Project in Ecuador, discusses the reforms of Ecuador's criminal justice system and the resulting practical and theoretical implications as well as the importance of creating a sustainable, cooperative foundation of justice for the future.

Download Criminal Justice Reform in Ecuador Download Sustaining Reform Efforts in Ecuador

Quito Conference Focuses on Money Laundering and Anti-Corruption

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

Greater cooperation and broader communication were the key themes at a four–day conference publicizing the expanded role of the Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera (Financial Intelligence Unit) as an active investigative unit responsible for analyzing potential cases of corruption and money laundering in Ecuador.

ABA ROLI Sponsors a Study Tour to Puerto Rico for Ecuadorian Legal Professionals

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) continues to aid the Ecuadorian legal community in its changeover from an inquisitorial to an accusatorial (or adversarial) legal system. Toward this end, ABA ROLI sponsored a study tour to Puerto Rico for members of Ecuador's Consejo Nacional de la Judicatura (National Judicial Advisory Committee), Ministerio Publico (Prosecutor's Office), and Policia Judicial (Judicial Police).

Former ABA President Promotes Professional Cooperation in Kosovo

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

On June 19 and 20, former American Bar Association (ABA) President Michael Greco visited Kosovo to participate in roundtable discussions hosted by the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) in cooperation with its local partners the Kosovo Chamber of Advocates (KCA), the Kosovo Judges Association and Pristina University's law faculty. The discussions, which included participants from each partner organization, addressed legal education and the regulation of the bench and the bar in the country.

Public Legal Education Pioneers in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

The street law program in Kyrgyzstan is one-of-kind. In addition to having taught more than 7,000 young people about their legal rights as citizens, ABA ROLI's street law program has dramatically affected those young people who chose to participate in the program.

ABA ROLI Hosts Seminar on Human Trafficking in Kosovo

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI), the United States Department of Justice and the ABA Section on Litigation recently conducted a 2-day advocacy skills workshop for Kosovo judges, prosecutors, lawyers, police and others involved in the prosecution of human trafficking cases.

Georgian Lawyers Help Ensure Fair Elections

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

On May 14, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) hosted an event to present a manual entitled Election Law Manual for Lawyers which can be used to train lawyers to identify, investigate and litigate election related disputes. ABA ROLI, in cooperation with the National Democratic Institute, the Center for the Protection of Constitutional Rights (CPCR) and the Georgian Bar Association, trained more than 80 lawyers representing various political parties and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

ABA Presents the Anti-Domestic Violence Law Manual for Georgia

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

Across the world—even in those nations where the rule of law is seemingly strong—millions of women and children lack basic human rights within their own homes. In many cases, the systematic denial of rights for women begins with an unresponsive judiciary that is either unwilling or unable to provide strong legal protections to victims of abuse. Even in cases where women's rights are ostensibly protected, legislation specific to the issue of domestic violence is often lacking.

Continuing Legal Education Training Team in Krasnoyarsk

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

With every lawyer in Russia now required to take 20 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) each year, there is an emphasis on developing that nation's capacity to conduct CLE training and on spreading the word about CLE to remote areas such as Siberia. Along with the Krasnoyarsk Regional Chamber of Advocates and the Federal Chamber, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative's (ABA ROLI's) Moscow office continues its work to improve Russian lawyers' practical skills training. Together, the partners established the CLE Center for Attorneys in January 2008.

Georgia Legal Profession Reform Index Highlights Rapid Changes and New Challenges

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

The Georgia LPRI Volume II assesses the state of the legal profession in Georgia as of November 2007. It is based on a series of 24 factors that address a wide range of issues including professional freedoms and guarantees education, training, and admission to the legal profession and conditions and standards of practice. The LPRI's findings highlight the rapid changes that are taking place within the legal profession in that country.

A Great Start: First Elearning Program Portends Expanded CLE In Serbia

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) recently introduced an online continuing legal education program for attorney trainees in Serbia. The pilot program was the first of its kind in the nation and it offered legal coursework online from December 2007 through April 2008. The program was designed by ABA ROLI and then implemented in cooperation with the Niš Bar Association and the Faculty of Information Technology (FIT) in Belgrade.

Forensics Training Helps to Combat Extrajudicial Killings in the Philippines

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:56:19 GMT

In an effort to encourage Filipino prosecutors to think critically about how physical evidence can be used to build stronger cases in court, Peruvian forensic anthropologist Dr. Jose Baraybar conducted a three–day forensics seminar for experienced prosecutors as part of the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) project to curb extrajudicial killings in the Philippines.

Podcast: Bridging Social Divisions in Lebanon

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:56:19 GMT

Aline Matta, Director of ABA ROLI"s programs in Lebanon, narrates the story of how students in their final year of law school started out somewhat cynical and ended up, through their clinical experience, becoming devoted advocates for social justice and the rule of law. Download Audio

Environmental Public Participation from Wisconsin to Guizhou

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:56:19 GMT

From April 15 to 28, representatives from five U.S. environmental institutions visited China with the help of the ABA Rule of Law Initiative to work closely with their Chinese counterparts on local projects to increase public participation in environmental decision-making in China.

China"s First On-line Skills Training Courses for Criminal Defense Lawyers

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:56:19 GMT

ABA ROLI and the Criminal Law Committee of the All China Lawyers Association have launched China"s first on-line skills training courses for criminal defense lawyers. These courses will target lawyers in western China, where barriers of distance and geography have isolated lawyers from the training resources and other professional development opportunities available in more developed areas, and hindered the development of a strong criminal defense bar.

Introducing Armenia's First Legal Writing Textbook

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:56:19 GMT

Yerevan State University Law School with ABA ROLI's assistance has developed and published Armenia's first textbook on Legal Writing and Analysis. The textbook is intended for practical use and may serve as a guide for the instruction of writing and document drafting rules.

New Legal Ethics Handbook for Kosovo's Law Students

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:56:19 GMT

The ABA Rule of Law Initiative has published the first Ethics Handbook for Kosovo Law Students. The publication is intended to be used by law faculty professors, students, and experts engaged in ABA ROLI's Legal Clinics. The Handbook also includes A Survey of Ethics in the Legal Professions; Hypothetical Legal Ethical Dilemmas; and a Mock Trial Case Involving Legal Ethics and Ethical Dilemmas.

ABA ROLI Survey Shows Economic Potential of Misdemeanor Court in Serbia

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:56:19 GMT

In March 2008, Belgrade's Media Center, the Association of Magistrates of the Republic of Serbia, and ABA Rule of Law Initiative organized the roll-out of the Economic Aspect of Misdemeanor Court Survey. The results of the survey demonstrated that if properly applied, the misdemeanor court could have contributed 48.6 million Euros to the State Budget in 2006.

Kosovo's Attorneys Stay Abreast of Changing Ethical and Disciplinary Codes

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:56:19 GMT

The Kosovo Chamber of Advocates (KCA) and ABA ROLI is organizing a series of Continuing Legal Education Roundtables on Attorney Ethics and the Disciplinary System in Kosovo. Through these roundtables Kosovo attorneys will have the necessary information and training on the most recent revisions made to the Attorney's Ethics Code and KCA's Disciplinary System.

For First Time, Cambodia Sends Team to International Legal Competition

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:56:19 GMT

ABA ROLI sponsored Cambodia's first law student participation in an international competition. Two Cambodian law students, accompanied by a Cambodian Bar Association coach and a Royal University of Law and Economics faculty representative, competed in the International Client Counseling Competition held this year at the National Law School, Bangalore, India.

Kyrgyzstan's Lawyers and Judges Adjust to New Criminal Procedure Code

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:56:19 GMT

In February 2008, ABA ROLI conducted a four-day training event at Hotel Raduga on Lake Issyk-kul, along with the German Association for Technical Cooperation, the US Department of Justice, and the Judicial Training Center of the Kyrgyz Republic. The training event focused on pre-trial detention procedures in criminal cases and was one of the first training events in Kyrgyzstan that ABA ROLI has participated in that included defense attorneys as well as judges and prosecutors as participants.

Successful Reform Efforts Underway in the Russian Far East

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:56:19 GMT

The Vladivostok office of the ABA Rule of Law Initiative has launched several successful initiatives over the past few months with USAID support. Having the advantage of being a small office in the biggest and one of the most progressive cities of the Russian Far East, the office has managed a series of innovative projects that have created avenues for legal and social progress.

Sixty Kosovar Law Students Successfully Complete Simulation Clinic

Sixty law students at the University of Pristina completed the ABA Rule of Law Initiative's Simulation Legal Clinic this semester. The clinic is designed to help students gain practical skills needed upon becoming practicing lawyers.

New Judicial Training Institute Will Ensure Quality of Courts in Liberia

As part of a long term strategy for improving the administration of courts and the provision of justice in Liberia, the Liberian Supreme Court has selected the ABA Rule of Law Initiative to plan and develop a new Judicial Training Institute for judges, lawyers, and court personnel.

Prosecutorial Assessment Leads to Policy Action in Bulgaria

After ABA ROLI published its Prosecutorial Reform Index in Bulgaria, Prosecutor Velchev created the Prosecutorial Reform Index Committee tasked with considering the recommendations of the PRI and soliciting feedback from prosecutors and other relevant actors in structuring a three-year strategy or "roadmap" of reform.

Important New MOUs in Algeria and Qatar

The ABA Rule of Law Initiative has bolstered its partnerships in the Middle East and North Africa region by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with key partners in Qatar and Algeria.

ABA ROLI Involved in Passage of Moldova's First Domestic Violence Law

On March 11, Moldova enacted its first legislation to protect women from domestic violence. The ABA Rule of Law Initiative provided key commentary and input to strengthen and improve the law during the drafting phase.

Third Judicial Reform Index Launched in Kosovo

On March 12, 2008, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative hosted an event introducing the third volume of the Kosovo Judicial Reform Index. Approximately 150 representatives from the government, media, international community, and non-governmental organizations attended the event.

Jordan's Applied Science University First to Adopt More Practical Legal Curriculum

Following the March 2007 Conference on Upgrading Legal Education, ABA ROLI has been working with a committee of professors from several Jordanian universities to develop courses in "Legal Research and Writing," and "Legal English."

Managing Ethnic Differences in an Independent Kosovo

Kosovo Country Director David Sip details how the fact of independence has affected ABA ROLI's work in Kosovo, and how legal education and profession reform programs there are focusing on maintaining cohesion between ethnic Serbs and Albanians. Download Audio

Gender-Based Violence Program Receives Full Government Support in DRC

Mathieu Ndong-Koni became Country Director of the new ABA Rule of Law Initiative office in Democratic Republic of Congo in January 2008. He leads the effort to establish a program to give survivors of sexual violence access to justice and to fight the impunity of offenders.

Cambodia's First Law Student Client Counseling Competition

On February 28-29, 2008, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative held the first Client Counseling Competition in Cambodia's history. Teams from five Cambodian law schools competed for the honors of national champion.

Pilot CLE Project Begins in Russia as ABA ROLI Welcomes New Country Director

In fall 2007, ABA Rule of Law Initiative launched a pilot continuing legal education project in Russia as part of a joint partnership with the bar to increase the professionalism and education of the country's advocates. Together, ABA ROLI and the Krasnoyarsk Chamber of Advocates designed a three phase “Training of Trainers” program to develop a core group of professional trainers.

Report Identifies Strengths and Weaknesses of Kosovo Chamber of Advocates

The ABA Rule of Law Initiative published the Kosovo Chamber of Advocates' Organizational Assessment Report in January 2008. This new assessment report details the KCA's strengths in certain areas —including administration, project design implementation, and reliable partnerships — but also reveals that many are frustrated with the KCA's work as an advocate for lawyers in Kosovo.

Conference on Bar Unification Eases Disputes in Ukraine

The ABA Rule of Law Initiative conducted a conference in Ukraine on the difficult issue of the unification of the legal profession and creation of an independent, self-governing Ukrainian Bar Association.

Serbia's Schools Take Ownership of Court Internship Program

After three years, 11 rounds and more than 1700 law school students, the Court Internship Program, a joint program of the ABA Rule of Law Initiative and the Young Lawyers of Serbia, has become a part of the curriculum in three Serbian law schools.

Azerbaijan's Ministry of Education Hosts Kick-Off for Street Law Program

In early 2007, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Education welcomed the ABA Rule of Law Initiative's Public Legal Education program staff, school teachers, principals, representatives of the Baku City Department of Education, and over 75 law students to kick off the second phase of the 2007-2008 Public Legal Education Program.

Armenian Elections Completed with ABA ROLI's Help

Following the February 2008 elections, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative, with funding support from Counterpart International, worked to build public confidence in Armenia's laws and institutions, and to provide an election hotline offering legal assistance in case of election-related problems and irregularities.

Combating Financial Crime in Serbia

In February 2008, the ABA Rule of Law Initiative completed the last of four financial crimes training seminars for prosecutors and law enforcement officials throughout Serbia.

Lebanese Law Students Find Creative Ways to Teach Human Rights

In February, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, in collaboration with Amnesty International and the Arab Institute for Human Rights, organized a two-day workshop at La Sagesse University for eleven law students who have been selected to work on public education projects.

Moroccan Judges Meet with European Counterparts

The ABA Rule of Law Initiative continued its work to build the institutional capacity of the Moroccan judges' association, the Hassania, through a four-day study tour in The Hague and Leiden in the Netherlands on January 21-24, 2008.

ABA Rule of Law Initiative News

ABA ROLI Efforts to Combat Extrajudicial Killings Continue

ABA ROLI Hosts its First Anti-Trafficking Training in Cameroon

ABA ROLI Hosts National Mock Trial Competition in Cambodia

ABA ROLI Helps to Establish a Small Claims Court in the Philippines

Pro Bono Legal Clinic Opens in Yerevan, Armenia

New Disciplinary System and Ethics Code Proven Effective in Kosovo

ABA ROLI Promotes a More Robust Accusatorial System in Ecuador

Podcast: Assessing Human Trafficking in Mexico

Yarmouk University Launches Alternative Dispute Resolution Course in Jordan

Students Advance Human Rights in Lebanon

Podcasts: Criminal Justice Reform in Ecuador

Quito Conference Focuses on Money Laundering and Anti-Corruption

ABA ROLI Sponsors a Study Tour to Puerto Rico for Ecuadorian Legal Professionals

More Serbian Attorneys Now Ready to Represent Clients Before the European Court of Human Rights

Former ABA President Promotes Professional Cooperation in Kosovo

Public Legal Education Pioneers in Southern Kyrgyzstan

ABA ROLI Hosts Seminar on Human Trafficking in Kosovo

Georgian Lawyers Help Ensure Fair Elections

ABA Presents the Anti-Domestic Violence Law Manual for Georgia

Continuing Legal Education Training Team in Krasnoyarsk

Georgia Legal Profession Reform Index Highlights Rapid Changes and New Challenges

A Great Start: First Elearning Program Portends Expanded CLE In Serbia

Forensics Training Helps to Combat Extrajudicial Killings in the Philippines

Podcast: Bridging Social Divisions in Lebanon

Environmental Public Participation from Wisconsin to Guizhou

China"s First On-line Skills Training Courses for Criminal Defense Lawyers

Introducing Armenia's First Legal Writing Textbook

New Legal Ethics Handbook for Kosovo's Law Students

ABA ROLI Survey Shows Economic Potential of Misdemeanor Court in Serbia

Kosovo's Attorneys Stay Abreast of Changing Ethical and Disciplinary Codes

For First Time, Cambodia Sends Team to International Legal Competition

Kyrgyzstan's Lawyers and Judges Adjust to New Criminal Procedure Code

Successful Reform Efforts Underway in the Russian Far East

Sixty Kosovar Law Students Successfully Complete Simulation Clinic

New Judicial Training Institute Will Ensure Quality of Courts in Liberia

Prosecutorial Assessment Leads to Policy Action in Bulgaria

Important New MOUs in Algeria and Qatar

ABA ROLI Involved in Passage of Moldova's First Domestic Violence Law

Third Judicial Reform Index Launched in Kosovo

Jordan's Applied Science University First to Adopt More Practical Legal Curriculum

Managing Ethnic Differences in an Independent Kosovo

Gender-Based Violence Program Receives Full Government Support in DRC

Cambodia's First Law Student Client Counseling Competition

Pilot CLE Project Begins in Russia as ABA ROLI Welcomes New Country Director

Report Identifies Strengths and Weaknesses of Kosovo Chamber of Advocates

Conference on Bar Unification Eases Disputes in Ukraine

Serbia's Schools Take Ownership of Court Internship Program

Azerbaijan's Ministry of Education Hosts Kick-Off for Street Law Program

Armenian Elections Completed with ABA ROLI's Help

Combating Financial Crime in Serbia

Lebanese Law Students Find Creative Ways to Teach Human Rights

Moroccan Judges Meet with European Counterparts