Mock Jury Trial Aired in Kazakhstan

04.05.2007

The recent introduction of jury trials in Kazakhstan represents perhaps one of the most significant developments in Kazakhstan's legal and judicial systems since independence. However, most Kazakhstani citizens are still unaware of this important new tool and its potential to improve judicial transparency, independence, and accountability.

To educate Kazakhstani citizens on the recent introduction of jury trials in Kazakhstan, the Rule of Law Initiative and the Kazakhstan Judicial Assistance Project (implemented by Chemonics) partnered to produce a 55-minute mock jury trial. Using real judges and attorneys with a full complement of citizen jurors and court staff, the mock jury trial covers a jury trial from start to finish, and devotes special emphasis to the portions of the trial featuring the jurors. The mock jury trial was broadcast nationally twice over the weekend of March 24-25 on the national TV channel "Channel 31."

For more information, please contact Staff Attorney Zaure Adilova, at adilova@abaceeli.kz .