WCL Sponsors Conference on International and Domestic Litigation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC, October 8, 2009 – American University Washington College of Law (WCL) will host renowned trial attorney and Professor Emeritus Michael Tigar along with internationally recognized specialists to discuss strategic litigation in International and Domestic Fora on Oct. 12, 2 – 6 p.m.
Tigar, professor of the practice of law, Duke Law School, and founder of the UNROW Human Rights Impact Litigation Clinic at WCL, will lecture on “Narratives of Oppression.” The lecture will be followed by a case study of two cutting edge cases led by UNROW and WCL’s Impact Litigation Project, including Uson Ramirez vs. Venezuela, in which Francisco Usón Ramírez was convicted of dishonoring and disrespecting the armed forces of Venezuela.
WCL Dean Claudio Grossman and the Impact Litigation Project traveled to the Dominican Republic to argue the case in April on 2009 (view this story). The Impact Litigation Project seeks to promote the rule of law and democracy within the Americas through the international litigation of pivotal cases lending to promote and enhance the development and furtherance of international jurisprudence and standards.
Tigar has argued seven cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and more than 100 appellate cases. He has written extensively about litigation, aspects of trial practice, criminal law, the death penalty, and the role of the criminal defense lawyer. His books include Fighting Injustice (ABA, 2002); Federal Appeals: Jurisdiction and Practice; and Examining Witnesses.
When: October 12, 2009
2 – 6 P.M.
Where: American University Washington College of Law
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20016, Room 603
Full Schedule:
2:00-3:00 p.m. First Distinguished Lecture: Michael Tigar
Professor Emeritus of American University Washington College of Law (WCL), Professor of the Practice of Law, Duke Law School, and Founder of the UNROW Human Rights Impact Litigation Clinic
Topic: “Narratives of Oppression”
3:15-4:30 p.m. Panel I: UNROW Human Rights Impact Litigation Clinic
For more than four decades, the people of the Chagos Archipelago have pursued their claim, in different jurisdictions on two continents, that they were forcefully removed from their island home in the Indian Ocean by the British and U.S. governments to make way for a military base.
David Vine will discuss the role of empirical data, sociology and anthropology in developing a reparations model to remedy the damages.
Richard Gifford is a UK solicitor who has represented the Chagossians for more than three decades, and in several fora.
Olivier Bancoult is the leader of the Chagossian people. He has been an articulate voice for the Chagossians’ aspirations, and is lead plaintiff.
4:45-6:00 p.m. Panel II: Impact Litigation Project in the Americas
Francisco Uson was prosecuted and sentenced to five and a half years in prison for “dishonoring and disrespecting the armed forces of Venezuela” during a media interview in May 2004. His case is the first before the Inter-American system to deal with criminalization of speech against a state organ at a time when more governments in Latin America are resorting to it, silencing criticism and curtailing democratic debates.
Francisco Uson Ramirez is the victim in this case. He will discuss the alleged offense, the trial and conviction and his experience before international courts.
Dean Claudio Grossman led the Project’s litigation efforts before the Inter-American Commission and Court;
Alejandra Gonza was the staff attorney leading the efforts in the Uson case at the Office of the Special Rapporteur within the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights;
Gonzalo Himiob Santome was Mr. Uson’s criminal lawyer and a key witness in his case before the Inter-American system;
Agustina Del Campo was one of the lawyers representing Mr. Uson before the Inter-American system and will moderate the discussion.
6:30 p.m. Dinner (Sixth Floor Student Lounge) Welcome Remarks by the Dean
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