Photo By Pfc. Michael Schuch | Leaders from the Salman Pak courthouse and the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Michael Schuch
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The courthouse bustled with activity, and local Iraqis filled the lobby and courtyard as U.S. Soldiers met with Iraqi attorneys and judges in Salman Pak, Aug. 6, 2008.
Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Rule of Law team discussed the judges' and attorneys' concerns, which ranged from a lack of space to a shortage of office supplies.
"The shortage of space is a good sign," said Capt. Bradley Crockett, of Spokane, Wash. "They are constantly busy handling marriage certificates, divorces, property disputes and criminal cases, so it shows how much the Iraqi people are utilizing the judicial system."
Judges explained that an increase in access to the judicial center is also causing numerous office supply shortages.
All of the attorneys of Salman Pak occupy one small office. In an effort to provide citizens who seek more privacy and confidentiality, the leaders of the Rule of Law team surveyed potential nearby areas which could be used for additional office space.
The team also provided the judges with instructions on the proper use and assembly of radios in order to improve communication between judges and the local Iraqi police.
In the Iraqi legal system, the investigative judge plays a much more active role in investigating crimes; they are responsible for directing the IP and investigating crimes themselves.
The Rule of Law team plans to continue making visits to ensure the capabilities of the Iraqi legal system improve and expand to meet the need of the local citizens.
| Date Taken: | 08.06.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2008 11:16 |
| Story ID: | 22623 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 113 |
| Downloads: | 106 |
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