Trial Observation Missions

Paul is recognised internationally as a leading expert on the law and practice of trial observation and monitoring.  He has conducted several trial observation missions on behalf of the International Commission of Jurists and the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute.  Notable cases in which he has been engaged to observe proceedings for compliance with international fair trial standards include:

• the trial of 27 lawyers before No. 1 Ankara Heavy Penal Court;
• the trial of Leyla Zana (Kurdish MP) before No. 1 Ankara State Security Court;
• the trial of 7 Gambian journalists before the Banjul High Court.

Paul's latest report 'The Gambia: Freedom of Expression on Trial' is now available to download:

Trial Observation Training

Paul has also been engaged by the American Bar Association, Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, Council of Europe, International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and the OSCE to design, develop and deliver overseas training courses on the law and practice of trial observation.  His training programmes have equipped lawyers and human rights defenders from over 30 countries to monitor civil and criminal trials for compliance with international fair trial standards.

For an outline of a typical trial observation training programme please see the following news article published on allafrica.com: ICJ Trains Human Rights Activists on Trial Observation.

Trial Observation Publications

Paul is also the co-author of the International Commission of Jurists' "Trial Observation Manual for Criminal Proceedings".  Published by the ICJ in December 2009, this 200-page Manual provides trial observers with practical guidance on how to prepare for a trial observation mission, carry out the observation and write the follow-up report. It also provides a synthesis of the basic legal standards applicable in relation to (i) the right to a fair trial; (ii) the right to remedy of victims of human rights violations; and (iii) combating impunity. This is the first trial observation manual which includes analysis of international standards on the right to remedy of victims of human rights violations and combating impunity.   The Manual is available to download in English (copies in Spanish and Arabic are available from the ICJ):

Paul is available to conduct independent trial observation missions and trial observation training programmes on behalf of IGO's, NGO's, government departments, corporate entities and private individuals.  If you would like to discuss Paul's availability to conduct a trial observation mission or deliver a trial observation training programme then please submit your enquiry using the form on the contact page.