PRT TIKRIT: TIKRIT LAW SCHOOL LEARNS ABOUT U.S.

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 001621 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM KCRM IZ SUBJECT: PRT TIKRIT: TIKRIT LAW SCHOOL LEARNS ABOUT U.S. LEGAL SYSTEM ¶1. (U) This is a PRT Tikrit, Salah ad Din (SaD) cable. ¶2. (SBU) In a first of its kind May 14 lecture, the PRT's Rule of Law Advisor, a Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutor, gave an overview of the U.S. Justice system to over 40 law school students and faculty from the University of Tikrit's Law School and prominent members of the province's legal community. In introductory remarks, SaD Governor Hamad Hamoud al Shakti al Qaisi reinforced the importance of the rule of law and necessity of a functional legal system to combat terrorism. The lecture covered the basic operations of the U.S. federal criminal justice system, from the opening of an investigation to the conclusion of all appeals, and an overview of the structure of the U.S. federal court system. As a federal prosecutor, the Rule of Law Advisor drew upon his personal case experience as effective demonstrations of prosecutorial tactics. ¶3. (SBU) Dr. Amir, Dean of the University of Tikrit's Law School, and other members of the legal faculty, who actively engaged in the lecture with questions, said the lecture provided an excellent opportunity for the students to learn more about their own legal system by comparing it to the United States'. After the lecture, the faculty and staff were able to discuss the legal concepts presented at a representation event hosted by the PRT. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶4. (SBU) This first of its kind engagement for the PRT provided an excellent introduction to the University of Tikrit's Law School. This successful meeting has opened the door for other visiting lecturers from the U.S. legal community. In addition, it provided a good foundation for the PRT's efforts to develop a professional legal community that fosters the rule of law and gives the province's youth a viable alternative to the insurgency. END SUMMARY. ¶5. (U) For additional reporting from PRT Tikrit, Salah ad Din, please see our SIPRNET Reporting Blog: http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Tikrit CROCKER