Leading lights arrive in capital

Scotland hosts major international legal conference

News, 24 June 2005

Judges, legislators, and colleagues from criminal justice systems across the world have flown into Edinburgh for the 19th conference of The International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law (ISRCL).

It will look at the major issues which are faced by courts, prosecutors, criminal lawyers and legislators the world over - from developing victims' rights to facing the challenges posed by serious and organised crime.

Over the five-day conference 200 delegates from around 40 countries in Africa, North America, Asia, Australasia and Europe, will take part in a range of debates and listen to speakers on topics such as modernisation of criminal justice systems; models of international co-operation; and asset confiscation.

ISCRL President, Damian J Bugg, AM, QC, is the Commonwealth of Australia Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Bugg said: "This year's conference offers a packed programme of discussions and workshops, and is an important opportunity to discuss some of the major changes taking place in criminal justice systems across the globe."

Speakers at the five-day conference include the Attorney General for England and Wales, Lord Goldsmith, senior lawyers from the Crown Office, and Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency Director Graeme Pearson. Delegates will also hear from senior and high court judges from The Gambia, Australia, and Nigeria, as well as academics from Nigeria, Northern Ireland, the USA and South Africa.