July 23, 2010
Armenian Attorneys Learn About Supreme Court Procedures
Three Supreme Court of Ohio administrators briefed a delegation of 10 Armenian attorneys on court responsibilities and operations on July 21.
The afternoon briefing was part of a three week program for the Armenian lawyers sponsored by Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The program is designed to assist the Armenians to better understand the inner workings of American law firms and courts.
Assistant Administrative Director Richard A. Dove provided the delegates with an overview of the role and responsibilities of the Supreme Court and the appellate process.
Jonathan W. Marshall, Secretary to the Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline, addressed the codes of professional conduct and the disciplinary system.
Director Lee Ann Ward outlined procedures and oversight of the Office of Bar Admissions.
The specific topics were requested by the program organizers.
The Armenian delegates over the past two weeks have met with an array of attorneys, judges, court administrators and educators in the Cincinnati area. Program discussion topics include:
- Law firm organization, policies and regulations
- Marketing and personnel management skills
- Case management practices
- Independence of U.S. attorneys and courts.
Legal reform in Armenia has slowly evolved during the past two decades. Armenia instituted sweeping reforms to its constitution, codes and laws to comply with Council of Europe and Organization for Security and Cooperation requirements. Observers note corruption has undermined the credibility of the legal system.
The Armenian legal system has taken a series of important steps to advance rule of law. A new Constitution was adopted in 1995 and amended in 2005. New civil and criminal codes were enacted, as well as judicial code restructuring the court system. The roles of prosecutor and advocate were also better balanced.
A law enacted in 2004 established advocates as private practitioners, independent of the Ministry of Justice, and provided ethical guidelines.
The delegates were scheduled to return to Cincinnati July 22 and will return to Armenia next week.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow, 614.387.9250.