Kate Conyers, a long-term visiting fellow from the International Legal Foundation (ILF), conducted a comprehensive training session on witness examination for lawyers from the Legal Aid Service (LAS). The training took place at the LAS Training Center in Kutaisi and covered the intricacies of both civil and criminal witness examination, impeachment techniques, and objections.

Ms. Conyers, who has been collaborating with the LAS Kutaisi Bureau and other bureaus in West Georgia for the past three months, is part of the USAID Rule of Law Program's systemic efforts to support LAS capacity development. Co-trainers for the session included Esma Norakia, a lawyer from LAS’ Kutaisi Bureau, and Gela Siordia, the Head of LAS’ Kutaisi Bureau. Both Norakia and Siordia previously participated in an intensive seven-day adult education methodology training organized by the Rule of Law Program.

The training was attended by 20 participants from all LAS bureaus in West Georgia, with Allan Dahl, the ILF Program Director in Georgia, also present. The session consisted of both theoretical and practical components, including group exercises focusing on direct and cross-examinations of witnesses.

To prepare for the training, participants were given the case file for a fictitious murder case and asked to formulate direct and cross-examination questions for the witnesses mentioned in the file. During the training, participants worked in small groups to compare their examinations and collaboratively develop the most effective direct and cross-examinations as a group. The participants had the opportunity to observe and learn from one another as each group presented their examinations, with participants taking on the roles of "witnesses." This was followed by a robust discussion about best practices and a question-and-answer session.

"We received excellent feedback about the training. LAS lawyers have expressed a need for more training on direct and cross-examinations, as it is a significant aspect of their work. They were pleased with what they learned and found the mini-trial exercise enjoyable. I was impressed by their active participation, and it was evident that they integrated the lecture content into their practice examinations," said Ms. Conyers.

The USAID Rule of Law Program support for the Legal Aid Service extends beyond this training, and includes plans to bring in international experts and provide technical assistance to further enhance access to justice in Georgia.