Scot teaches Moldovans a legal lesson
18 Oct 04
A Scottish fiscal is teaching trial techniques to Moldovan lawyers
A leading Scottish court lawyer has flown out to Moldova to help improve trial procedures in the country, which is battling against crime and human rights abuses.
Gillian More, a depute procurator fiscal in Edinburgh and a member of faculty of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy based in Colorado, has been invited to teach local lawyers how to defend and prosecute cases properly as a guest of the American Bar Association and the Central European and Eurasian Legal Initiative (ABACEELI).
Moldova, the poorest country in Europe, like many former Soviet republics has historical problems with corruption which its present government has undertaken to tackle.
Ms More, who is on her second visit to the country, said: “With the assistance of ABACEELI, the government is determined to ensure that the concept of a fair trial is introduced. The lawyers who attend the much sought after courses are very enthusiastic about their new skills.”
Despite the volatile political situation with the Transnistria region in the country which recently drew with Scotland in the World Cup qualifier, Ms More says she has few concerns about her personal safety.
She said: “My hosts are looking after me very well. It is really a beautiful country and I am hoping to see some of the country’s cultural sites like its famous cave monasteries while I am here.”