Judge Matthew Williams visited the Kyrgyz Republic September 21–27, 2014 to share his experience conducting jury trials in the United States with Kyrgyz judges and court officials, law students, law professors, and the Ministry of Justice. He met with key members of the legal community, gave presentations to student groups and legal professionals, and conducted a mock trial demonstrating U.S. jury trial procedures at the American University in Central Asia.
Judge Williams is a King County District Court Judge in Washington State, which includes the city of Seattle. He has over 20 years of experience in U.S. law as a judge, prosecutor, private attorney, and law professor.
Jury trials for certain crimes will commence in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2015. Drawing on his extensive background, Judge Williams sought to encourage a constructive dialogue among the Kyrgyz legal community that would facilitate successful implementation of jury trials that respect the rights of all citizens while serving justice with fairness, transparency, and equality.
