Argentina's mock jury trial and Chile's organized‑crime seminar boost public legal education

In Argentina, judge Gisela Flamini organised a three‑day mock jury trial at the Universidad Nacional de La Rioja (UNLAR) on 16‑18 June to demonstrate the workings of a jury system and encourage citizen participation in criminal justice. More than a hundred people were invited, and the event replicated a real trial, including the selection of a twelve‑member jury and instructions on juror impartiality.

In Chile, the Academia Judicial held an online seminar on 3 June as the opening of its “Changes in Criminal Justice” series. The session, attended by 359 participants, examined Law 21.577 on the prosecution of organized‑crime offenses, covering asset seizure, expanded confiscation and the role of protected witnesses. Speakers included Tania Gajardo Orellana of the National Prosecutor’s Office and Judge Diego Muñoz Pacheco.

Both initiatives aim to improve public understanding of the justice system and enhance the capacity of legal professionals to apply recent reforms.