Ambassador Scheffer lectured about International Justice in Cambodia

David Scheffer, the former U.S. Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues and current U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Expert on United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials, is our 2014 Global Law Distinguished Visitor.  Scheffer gave a lecture this January on, Challenges of International Justice, to students, faculty and guests at the Law School.

“I found Ambassador Scheffer’s presentation on recent developments in international criminal law engaging because he was ‘testing’ new theories that he has seen at work in his role with the ECCC (Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia).  He was open in both identifying the arguments in support of the propositions, as well as identifying their shortcomings. He then opened the discussion for feedback from the audience, and there was no shortage of questions to inspire further discussion,” said Brandon Hawkins, second-year law student.

Scheffer’s lecture covered the Cambodia tribunal, their national court that tries the Khmer Rouge for violations of international law, and how they have made efforts to use their trials for education.  He discussed how the trials are open to the public, allowing them to go through and hear the proceedings.

He answered multiple questions from the audience and made an effort to get around and meet everyone at the reception that followed his lecture.

“Ambassador Scheffer, a prominent international jurist, was one of the most approachable, personable figures that I have ever met. By that openness and collegial approach, he captured my attention and piqued my growing interest in the international criminal law system,” said Hawkins.