March 2009
University of Pristina students, who completed ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI)-developed legal courses in fall 2008, took part in a mock trial held to mark the end of the semester. A total of 123 students received certificates of completion during the accompanying ceremony.
“I enjoyed being part of the legal research and writing class,” said student Shqiprim Haliti. “The class was very interesting and Professor Avdijajen couraged us to do critical analyses and be active in the class.”
Courses on legal methodology, legal ethics and professional responsibility, legal research and writing, and trial advocacy, as well as civil and criminal legal clinics were developed by ABA ROLI and introduced into the curriculum ofthe University of Pristina Law Faculty. Fall 2008 classes were taught by University of Prishtina professors Osman Ismajli, Emine Avdyli and Arsim Avdijaj. Students attending the legal clinics had the opportunity to work with local legal experts and to participate in the mock trial.
“Together with our instructors, we have been conducting intensive preparations and it is a great pleasure for me to be part of this class and this mock trial. It is an experience that will stay with me forever,” said Diella Rugova, who sat in the criminal legal clinic.
Approximately 450 law students have taken the legal clinic courses, with more than 1,000 students completing all ABA ROLI-assisted courses. Improving legal education for students at the Pristina and Mitrovica law faculties is a primary focus of ABA ROLI’s program in Kosovo.
To learn more about our work in Kosovo, contact the ABA Rule of Law Initiative at <[email protected]>.