From 2018-2021, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) implemented a program to strengthen criminal justice processes in Lebanon. The program, Strengthening Criminal Justice Processes through Judicial and Prosecutorial Training, worked with judicial and prosecutorial sectors on alternate dispositions skills, which the High Judicial Council and ABA ROLI identified as a priority. In 2019, 90 judges participated in sessions about the challenges related to sentencing in criminal cases and the procedural issues related to the appeals of criminal cases. Additionally, ABA ROLI facilitated discussions with legal actors on new court processes, including plea bargaining and alternatives to incarceration. The program was funded by the US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
Also, ABA ROLI trained judges and prosecutors on investigating and adjudicating cases involving complex financial crimes, cybercrimes, and corruption. International experts shared best practices in the gathering, preservation, and evaluation of evidence—including digital evidence and evidence obtained from other countries through formal and informal processes. When pandemic-related restrictions prevented in-person workshops and international travel, ABA ROLI began a series of online discussions between local judges and prosecutors and our international experts. Focus areas included corruption and financial crimes. Experts addressed asset tracking, international cooperation through treaties and informal processes, digital evidence, DNA evidence, and bank secrecy. In partnership with the High Judicial Council, ABA ROLI supported strategy development to enable alternative dispositions.
Also keen to explore opportunities to increase court efficiency and address overcrowding in prisons, the High Judicial Council requested materials and presentations related to plea bargaining. Additionally, ABA ROLI analyzed relevant legislation and supported the development of new processes through sharing of best practices and how they can be applied in Lebanon.