The East-West Management Institute, Inc. is hosting a panel discusssion, The Disappearing Trial: Human Rights and Trial Waivers, at the 26th Session of the UN CCPCJ on Wednesday, 24 May 2017, 1:10 - 2:00 p.m., in conference Room MOE79.

With the global proliferation of systems that incentivize suspects to waive their right to a trial (“trial waivers”), convictions are often imposed without a trial ever taking place. This growing practice has considerable implications (both good and bad) for human rights and the rule of law. At this side event, Fair Trials, an organization that works to improve respect for the fundamental human right to a fair trial, will present the key findings of its new global study into the use of trial waiver systems – including plea bargaining, abbreviated trials and crown witness arrangements. A distinguished panel will discuss the implications of trial waiver systems for criminal justice priorities such as efforts to tackle torture, corruption, the overuse Cof pre-trial detention and drug crimes. The event is hosted by the East-West Management Institute, which works to improve the administration of justice in emerging democracies.

Moderator:

Nicolas Mansfield, Director of Legal Programs, East-West Management Institute

Panelists:

Libby McVeigh, Legal and Policy Director, Fair Trials
Alex Mik, Campaigns and Communications Manager, Fair Trials
Juan Mendez, Professor of Human Rights Law in Residence (Former UN Special Rapporteur on Torture (2010-2016)) Washington College of Law (video)
Kirill Koroteev, Legal Director, Memorial  
Stephen Muers, former Director, Criminal Justice Policy, UK Ministry of Justice