Assoc Prof Jacqui Horan Trains Solomon Islands’ Prosecutors
Prosecutors and police from the Solomon Islands who attended the training.
In a significant effort to enhance the justice system of the Solomon Islands, Monash University Law Faculty's Associate Professor Jacqui Horan was invited to join a team of experts to conduct a week intensive training program for prosecutors and police in Honiara, the nation’s capital. The expert team included Monash staff; Professor Nahum Mushin and senior Monash sessional teachers Maya Rozner and Naomi Smith of the Victorian Bar. Judicial Registrar to the Criminal Law Division of the County Court of Victoria, Ros Avis and Neill Hutton SC rounded out the team of outstanding expert trainers.
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The program was created and funded by the Victorian Bar's International Advocacy Training Committee (IATC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This initiative, held in the Honiara High Court, focused on the prosecution of child sexual abuse cases, a critical area of concern for the Solomon Islands' legal system. The program was part of a broader mission to improve the handling of child abuse.
Associate Professor Jacqui Horan leading a training session in the Honiara High Court.
Addressing Key Challenges in Child Sexual Abuse Prosecutions
The training sessions addressed the unique challenges faced in prosecuting child sexual abuse cases. These challenges include identifying issues and difficulties in prosecuting sex offences involving children, and developing special interview techniques for children and vulnerable witnesses. The program included practical mock trial and interview exercises, to ensure that participants can apply these techniques effectively in real-world scenarios.
Associate Professor Jacqui Horan, an expert in courtroom research and training, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program. Her involvement in this program underscores the importance of international collaboration in strengthening justice systems worldwide.
Mr. Andrew Kelesi, the Director of Public Prosecutions, his prosecutors and the Victorian Bar’s team.
Enhancing Advocacy and Interview Skills
The Victorian Bar’s IATC has had a busy year, and this training mission to the Solomon Islands was a testament to their commitment to improving legal practices globally. The program not only aimed to enhance the competence of prosecutors and police officers but also to instil a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in child sexual abuse cases.
Participants in the training expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn from international experts. The practical exercises, in particular, were highlighted as invaluable in helping them develop the skills needed to handle sensitive cases with the care and precision they require.
Adjunct Professor Nahum Mushin leading a training session in the Honiara High Court.
A Collaborative Effort for Thriving Communities
Associate Professor Jacqui Horan's participation in this mission reflects her dedication to improving courtroom communication and access to justice through education and training. The initiative aligns with Monash University’s strategic plan and the broader goals of thriving communities, particularly in promoting justice and strong institutions. The program was timely as Jacqui was able to share the work featured in her new publication, Byrne and Horan (eds) ‘Sexual Assault Trials: Challenges and Innovations’ (Lexis Nexis). Her work, both in Australia and internationally, continues to make a significant impact on the legal profession and the communities it serves.
Court 3, Honiara High Court.
Looking Ahead
It was the aim of the training team to create a dialogue about how to improve the prosecution of child sexual abuse cases in the Solomon Islands. The success of the program sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at enhancing legal systems around the world, in particular, in the Pacific. It is the hope of the Victorian Bar’s International Advocacy Training Committee and the team, that the support might be able to be extended to training defence counsel and the judiciary.
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