03.06.2007

An Armenian law student participates in a moot court competition during a winter school session organized by the Rule of Law Initiative's Europe and Eurasia division (CEELI). Armenian judges and advocates presided over the exercise.

From January 25-28, 46 Armenian law students gathered in Tsakhkadzor for a winter school organized by the Europe and Eurasia division of the Rule of Law Initiative (CEELI). The students came from three CEELI-supported legal clinics in Vanazdhor, Gyumrie, and Gavar, the legal clinic at Yerevan State University, and the advanced legal writing class at the American University of Armenia.

Participants debated the likely effects of the concepts of stare decisis and case precedent, just recently incorporated into the Armenian legal system. CEELI also introduced critical thinking exercises during the program, including a study using two U.S. Supreme Court cases, Terry v. Ohio and Michigan v. Long. Among other things, students learned how to analyze binding case law and apply it to subsequent cases.

A moot court exercise based on an Armenian Court of Cassation decision that has been appealed to the European Court of Human Rights was a highlight of the winter school session. Armenian judges and advocates presided over the competition. USAID representatives were in attendance to observe the competition.

For more information, please contact Legal Specialist Erica Simpson, at <erica@abaceeli.am>