Judicial Reform Project (JRP) Update
National Center for State Courts (NCSC)

SO2: MORE EFFECTIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE
posted by Skip Waskin on Thursday, September 15, 2005 1:56 AM

Results of 2005 Public Opinion Survey. The Judicial Reform Project (JRP) released a report on its 2005 public opinion survey in August. The survey analyzed the data in comparison with the 2001 and 2003 surveys to provide a look at trends in public opionion on the Mongolian Justice system. The results were gratifying, first because stable trends were shown, indicating a high level of confidence can be placed in the data. Public perception of the justice sector has improved in all areas since the JRP began its work. The drop in the level to which corruption is considered a problem is surpising, and may be due to the much increased transparency of the courts. Public perceptions that politically connected and wealthy people receive better treatment, however, remain at high levels.

Lawyer Qualification Exam. JRP also relased a preliminary report on the 2005 Lawyer Qualification Examination (or Bar). The primary conclusion is that the exam was conducted fairly and openly, and that all major problems were satisfactorilly dealt with. Grading mistakes were corrected, and JRP is waiting to see if those involved in suspicious mistakes are disiplined.

Court Administration Manual Published. The Court Adminstration Manual was published in August, and training on court adminstration using the new manual was conducted for the aimags of Huvsgul and Zavkhan.

Computers and Automation. By the end of August, computers had been installed for adminstrative court judges in most of the aimags. The court software has been updated and installed in all courts, and new software for the Supreme Court was being developed. A database for case information has also been created and is being tested; when finished, it will be linked to the World Bank Unified Information System. The Supreme Court Chief Judge has indicated to the World Bank that he has reservations about putting all decision on the Internet, however, contrary to prior commitments to the project. If there are problems in this regard, JRP will pursue a legislative mandate to make all decisions available on the Internet.

Legal Training. Also in August, JRP sponsored training for lawyers in the western aimags in “Effective Courtroom Communication”, “Lawyers’ Ethics”, “The Criminal and Criminal Procedure Laws”, “Adminstrative Court Procedings and Advocacy,” and “Use of Expert Medical Evidence.” The remotness of these advocates often makes training difficult. Training conducted in Gobi Altai was attended by most of the private advocates from Bayan Ulgii, Hovd, Zavkhan, Gobi Altai and Bayanhongor. The JRP Chief of Party addressed the group and questioned them on training needs and the problems that they saw with the justice system in their areas. Training for judges is currently being conducted in Khuvsgul Aimag on Ethics, Criminal Law and Domestic Violence. It will be followed by trainings in all of the other regions on these subjects.

Judicial Reform Project (JRP) Update
National Center for State Courts (NCSC)

SO2: MORE EFFECTIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE
posted by Skip Waskin on Thursday, August 11, 2005 9:18 PM

Second Bar Exam Administered. The second Mongolian Lawyer Qualification Examination (“bar exam”) was given July 22-23. The lessons learned from a recent JRP-sponsored study tour on bar exams in the US were almost fully implemented, and this bar exam proceeded far better than the first. The test was held at three sites in the countryside and 10 sites in Ulaanbaatar. Over 2,000 examinees sat for the test, which consisted of 100 multiple choice questions graded by machine graders supplied by JRP. For the first time, essay questions were included. The essays largely replace the more subjective interviews given last year. While some organizational problems were noted, the exam proceeded well compared to last year. Cheating by copying was eliminated by having multiple versions of the multiple choice examination, and security was very tight for the creation and printing of the exam questions. Allegations of cheating that were made after the exam are being swiftly and effectively investigated, a process in which JRP is assisting the examination committee. Results of the essay portion of the examination will be known in a few weeks.

Court Administration Manual Completed. The Court Administrative Manual was completed in July and sent to the printers, marking the completion of a long-term effort. The manual was originally envisioned within the first two years of project implementation, but was delayed so that procedural changes could be made to legislation and regulations before incorporation into the manual. For the first time, all courts will have a guide to every aspect of court management and all procedures will be uniform throughout the country.

Management Assessment of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
A management assessment of the Office of the Prosecutor General was completed in July and is being translated into English. JRP facilitated the assessment and will help the Office implement the recommendations. The Prosecutor General, Altankhuyag was reappointed by the President.

Public Affairs Officers Trained. Training for court public affairs officers was held in July. This is the first time that each court has had to designate an employee responsible for public affairs. The course began with public affairs officers from other institutions explaining their work. Supreme Court Chief Justice Ganbat emphasized the importance of providing information to the public in building public support for the justice system. Participant feedback was very positive, and the training represents a significant step in improving the transparency of the justice system.

Judicial Reform Project (JRP) Update
National Center for State Courts (NCSC)

SO2: MORE EFFECTIVE AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE
posted by Skip Waskin on Monday, July 18, 2005 8:58 PM

Court Automation. Six of eight generators were delivered to courts in the more isolated parts of Mongolia that are without regular sources of electricity.

Special Investigative Unit. JRP translated sections of the New York State Manual for Police. These sections will be used by the Special Iposted by Skip Waskin on Monday, July 18, 2005 8:58 PMnvestigative Unit to improve SIU procedures. Free copies of the book were also presented to the General Police Department and the Office of the Prosecutor General.

Media/Outreach. JRP financed a short television program that tells law school graduates and others about the Lawyer Qualification Exam. The show goes through exam procedures so that test takers will be familiar with the process and the examination will be as transparent as possible.

Training. JRP conducted training on criminal law, the new domestic violence law, legal ethics, and the use of Power Point in training. The sessions were mentioned on UB Radio and Eagle TV. JRP also planned and organized the second regional training on management, held 8-11 June in the Hentii aimag court. This session provided in-depth training on court management to rural judicial employees to improve court efficiency and effectiveness.