Ministry of Interior officials observe US courtroom training

Photo By Spc. Charlene Apatang Mendiola | U.S. staff judge advocates play the roles of witnesses, jurors and attorneys, simulating a courtroom trial as part of their training on criminal law advocacy on Camp Victory, Iraq, June 15.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

06.15.2011

Story by Spc. Charlene Apatang Mendiola 

U.S. Forces Iraq

BAGHDAD - In an effort to improve capabilities in the establishment of a trustworthy and a more independent military rule of law, Iraqi Ministry of Interior representatives observed a courtroom ‘mock trial’ that involved U.S. judge advocates playing the roles of attorneys, witnesses and jurors on Camp Victory, June 15.

“The training conducted today was focused on criminal law advocacy,” said Capt. Matt Besmer, trial counsel for the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade stationed on Camp Taji. “The purpose of it was to train judge advocates to be more proficient in the courtroom.”

Focusing on the details, rehearsing opening and closing statements and admitting evidence were some of the elements they trained on, said Capt. Rebecca Lipe, deputy command judge advocate with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Arabian Peninsula, Joint Base Balad.

The training was specific to trial practices involving presentation to panel members and judges, said Besmer, a California guardsman and a business litigation attorney with Dowling, Aaron and Keeler. This type of exercise allows him to sharpen his skills as an attorney for both the military and civilian side.

The aspect of law practice applies to any organization, he said. The challenge is to place relevant skills necessary to appropriately litigate a case.

“The benefits from this type of training while deployed better prepares me as a trial counsel,” Lipe said. This also helps as we share our experiences, knowledge and tactics with our Iraqi counterparts.”

“It is great to have two different cultures and legal systems come together to learn from one another,” Besmer said.

Having the MOI representatives observe the training was essential to the goals of having an independent Iraqi legal system, Lipe said. “Advising them on the methods of our judicial system will allow them to incorporate that into their practices as well.”

“I am glad to be here to attend this training,” said Maj. Ahamed Abduleliah Alkazraji, director of appeal court of internal security forces of MOI.

This has never been done in an Iraqi courtroom before, he said. The trainings helped him understand and learn the manners and procedures in a courtroom.

Both U.S. and Iraq share similarities in the judicial system, but for Alkazraji, having a jury present in the courtroom is new to him and he would like to have that implemented in the future.

Although witness testimonies remain a very strong conviction method, Alkazraji said the MOI is using evidence even more now as part of its process and hopes to use the more advanced technology in the future.

From what he observed from this training, he said he hopes his office will allow more officials and representatives to attend training like this frequently.

• Date Taken: 06.15.2011
• Date Posted: 06.20.2011 05:55
• Story ID: 72406
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ