Insights into the Iraqi Judicial System
By Suzanne Bledsoe
                     
Bill Constangy introduced his colleague and close friend, Eric Levinson, who has recently returned to Charlotte after a one year stint in Iraq with the U. S. Department of Justice. Prior to his time in Iraq, Eric spent time as a district attorney in Cabarrus County; he served as a District Court judge in Charlotte and, most recently, the Court of Appeals.
  
In deciding to pursue a position with the Department of Justice, Eric was motivated by his desire to be a better citizen and public servant. His time in Iraq was focused on understanding the current status of the judicial system in Iraq as well as the history behind it. During that process, he was also focused on getting to know the key players involved in what will hopefully be a much improved, fairer system of justice.
  
Eric painted a vivid picture of the judicial system in Iraq, contrasting the differences not only between it and our systems but also pre and post 2003. Under Saddam Hussein's rule, justice (or the lack thereof) was often carried out informally and along the lines of the various religions, tribal beliefs and geographies. Within the 19 provinces of Iraq, there were about 100 courthouses administered by around 500 judges. With a population in excess of 24,000,000 this is a sharp contrast to our system when you consider we have more judges than that in North Carolina with a population of 8,000,000. Significant changes have been made since 2003 under the leadership of a very capable team led by the Chief Justice. Efforts have been made to modernize the system, adding consistency to the process around the country. There are now over 1,300 judges and infrastructure is being added to house more courthouses, law schools and jails. The judiciary system is much more independent and the code of justice more sophisticated. For example, prior to 2003, the criminal system based primarily on confessions; fingerprinting and other technology is now more available and used as a prosecution tool.
  
Challenges remain, obviously, and progress is slow. Corruption is rampant and there is a dearth of middle management to oversee operations and ensure consistency. However, Eric thinks that the current leadership is strong, capable and committed to the establishment of an effective judiciary.
  
Eric also talked briefly about Afghanistan, which he likened to a medieval empire.
 
Of course, there were lots of questions and I think we all could have listened to Eric's stories for the rest of the afternoon. But, time was short and he accomplished his goal: to educate us about the Iraqi judicial system and share insights as to why he chose to give his time, talent and resources to this very worthy endeavor.
      
   
Head Table: Christian Cherry, Doug Bean, Mac McCarley, Bill Constangy, Mike Hawley, Alex Browning;
Invocation: Emmy Lou Burchette;
Visitors & Guests: Roger Sarow; Health & Happiness: David Anderson; Song: David Erdman; Piano: Thomas Moore; Photos: Bert Voswinkel

• Health Update: Lee Morris was back at Rotary following knee surgery; Charlie Greer is improving following bypass surgery; Lila Rash continues chemo treatments; Lee Tabor's foot/ankle is on the mend.
          
• The 2009 Rotary Scholarship Golf Classic will be held October 5th at Cedarwood Country Club. Chair Alan Adler proudly announced the 100 Club of the Greater Charlotte New Car Dealers Association will continue supporting the tournament at the $10,000 Gold Sponsorship level.
  
• Biff Virkler and Beverly Jordan have organized a tour of the Nutrition Research Institute at the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis on May 7th. Those interested in attending are asked to notify the Rotary office. You will meet at Noon for lunch at Restaurant Forty Six, located at Cannon Village, 101 West Avenue, Kannapolis (704-250-4646). The tour will begin at 1:30 and should last for a couple hours.
  
• Steve Meckler was named a fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America's Trial Lawyer Honorary Society; Tony Marciano and Charlotte Rescue Mission are seeking donated turkeys in preparation for an Easter Community Dinner April 12th; Benton Bragg, Bragg Financial Advisors, was highlighted in the April issue of Greater Charlotte Biz; a powerful team came together to affix templates to 2100 dictionaries that will be delivered to third graders in the Northeast Learning Community. Thanks to Carol Jordan and her team from Queens, John Greer, Cynthia Marshall, Catherine Browning and Leland Park.

• Remember to return your committee request form and schedule a day to work at the Habitat House.
   
• This year's District Conference will be a reunion for Districts 7670 and 7680. All are invited to attend what promises to be a great event! May 1-3, Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, SC. Registration forms for the conference and hotel can be found on the District's website, http://rotarydistrict7680.org.

Should you question the eligibility of any nominee, contact the Rotary office by 04/06/2009.