DOJ Trains cadre of Georgian trainers in Trial Advocacy
In May of 2006, US Embassy Resident Legal Advisor Peter Strasser accompanied 3 Georgian prosecutors to the National Advocacy Center (NAC) for US Prosecutors, in South Carolina.
These three Georgian prosecutors: Tamuna Tomashvili, Kety Chomakhashvili and Giorgi Jokhadze have been identified by the Prosecutor General of Georgia to be instructors on Trial Advocacy, which will become a necessary skill for the criminal lawyers after a new Draft of the Criminal Procedure Code is adopted, for the first time allowing Jury Trials.
Upon return from the NAC, Georgian instructors developed an 80 page manual for trial advocacy class and scheduled trainings for 410 prosecutors from all over Georgia.
Training includes classes on how to make an Opening Statement, Direct and Cross Examinations and a Closing Argument. Trainings are held in a 3 day sessions, from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m., for 30 prosecutors at a time, who perform practical exercises in 3 breakout sessions.
During July 19-28, 2006, Georgian instructors were assisted by an experienced Assistant United States Attorney from the State of Wisconsin, Mr. John Vaudreuil. During his visit US prosecutor has observed trainings and discussed method and content of training with Georgian trainers and has been greatly involved in teaching, as well as critiquing the presentations.
“I have been fortunate to teach similar Trial Advocacy classes in the US and many other countries. Both the Georgian instructors and prosecutors have displayed exceptional skills and, most importantly, enthusiasm for this important training project”- says Mr. Vaudreuil.
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