Nuon Cheaand Khieu Samphan, two former top-tier leaders
of the Khmer Rouge regime, which killed roughly 2 million people in Cambodia, have
been sentenced to life in prison after a three year trial, reports The Guardian.
Chea, 88 years old, and Samphan, 83 years old, were charged
with crimes that happened nearly 40 years ago under the Khmer Rouge regime,
including crimes against humanity, homicide, torture, genocide and religious
persecution.
Thailand criminal
lawyer at law firm Chaninat and Leeds are
experienced trial attorneys and handle most criminal offenses.
The
Guardian reported that the court’s spokesman, Lars Olsen, called the verdict “a
historic day” saying, “the victims have waited 35 years for legal
accountability, and now that the tribunal has rendered a judgment, it is a
clear milestone.”
Lawyers for the two defendants called the ruling unjust and said
they would appeal the verdict, according to The Guardian.
The Detroit Free Press reported that the Michigan Supreme
Court has removed Wayne County Circuit Judge Wade McCree from office after it
was discovered on Wednesday 26 March that he was having an affair with a woman
who had a case before him.
Text
messages and other evidence show McCree was aware of his conflict of interest
in the 2012 child-support case and mentioned it to the woman he was having the
affair with, Geniene LaShay Mott, on the day she had a hearing before him.
Thailand Criminal Law : Attorneys at Chaninat & Leeds are experts in Thai Criminal Law and Extradition Proceedings
The Court indeed stated in its
ruling that McCree's conduct was one of the most egregious examples of judicial misconduct that they have encountered.
Text messages and other evidence revealed that McCree was having the affair with Geniene LaShay, who was involved in a child support case that was being heard by McCree. Evidence also revealed that McCree was aware of his conflict of interest in the 2012 child-support case and mentioned it to the woman he on the day she had a hearing before him.
McCree is also up for
re-election. The Court also warned that if he is reelected he
will be suspended for the entire six year term.
Sadly it is easy for a foreigner to become involved in Thailand's criminal law process during their time in Thailand, even if it is inadvertent. Thailand criminal attorneys, Chaninat and Leeds explain that one of the practical obstacles facing individuals who find themselves for whatever reason involved in Thailand Criminal Law be it as victims of crime or family members of foreigners accused of committing crimes in Thailand, is a lack of understanding of how Thailand’s criminal justice system may differ to that of their own country
There are three main differences between Western and Thai courts in the criminal law cases:
1. Judge or Jury Trial?
Trial by jury is a well known procedure used during Western criminal trials, however there is no similar right in Thailand. Instead, a judge is responsible for listening to all of the evidence and arguments and then deciding the outcome of Thai criminal cases. This could change the way the attorneys prepare and present the case. Perhaps juries may be more sympathetic and open to accepting emotional arguments rather than a judge who is well versed in the law.
2. Plea Bargaining
Plea bargaining is a common during a Western criminal trial, but in direct contrast, no plea bargaining happens in Thailand. The police play a far greater role in Thailand than in Western Courts. It is their decision what evidence and charges to send to the prosecution once they have undertaken their initial investigation. It is also open to the Thai court to reduce the level of criminal charges following an examination of the evidence.
3. Private Criminal Prosecutions
In Western courts, once charges have been filed, the victim is usually the key Prosecution witness. The same thing happens in Thailand, but it is additionally possible to file private criminal charges as long as other conditions are satisfied. Whilst this provides the victim with added flexibility, it means the accused individual will face two potential plaintiffs - the prosecutor and the victim.
