How does this work? For example, how can an "international team of lawyers" defend Saddam Hussein, if they were only familiar with their own legal system? Is it that hard to learn?
2007-11-24 10:37:58 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
That is where international attorneys come into play. Their area of expertise evolves around international courts.
2007-11-28 10:18:21 · answer #1 · answered by BeachBum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
English and American legal "principles" are very similar. In most States in the US, any lawyer licensed in a country with a legal system based on English common law can study for the Bar exam and become licensed to practice.
Since the actual wording of laws changes all the time, a lawyer will need to look up the actual law before trying a case anyway, so "where" you trained isn't that critical - not as critical as local experience.
Iraqi law is also based on common law, which is why American and British lawyers could assist with his defense (although his lead lawyers were Iraqis).
It looks as though that might change though. After decades as a secular country, there's a lot of pressure in Iraq to switch to a legal system based on Shari'a, or Islamic law.
Richard
2007-11-24 18:42:58 · answer #2 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋