Successful Completion of Initial Training Programme Targeting Junior Judges of Magistrate and First Instance Courts
Ramallah, 27 August 2008 – In culmination of successful implementation of the Initial Training Programme targeting recently-appointed magistrate and first instance judges, the first group of trainee judges graduated at offices of the Palestinian Judicial Institute (PJI). A total of 30 participants, including 25 magistrates and 5 first instance judges, attended the training course.
The intensive Programme comprised training sessions on various legal themes as well as civil, commercial and penal procedures. Trainers used mock trials and simulation techniques as to develop judges' practical skills. In addition, the Programme featured a Supervision Fellowship Component, whereby judges were distributed to courts in the West Bank. To acquire necessary practical skills in time management and dealing with lawyers and litigants, trainee judges worked under supervision of experienced senior judges.
This is the first achievement to be made by the newly-established PJI. It is also the first accomplishment that has wholly been produced by pure, distinctive Palestinian effort. With the intention of improving future performance, PJI is currently evaluating the Initial Training Programme. Through its prospective programmes, PJI will thus be capable of achieving a maximum outcome as well as promoting capacities of justice institutions, particularly the Palestinian Judicial Authority.
It is worth noting that the Initial Training Programme has been organised with support of the Initiative on Judicial Independence and Human Dignity (KARAMAH) at the Institute of Law – Birzeit University, a project implemented in partnership with the Faculty of Law at Windsor University in Canada. KARAMAH benefits from financial support provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
