Legal Research Unit

The foundation of JSMP’s work has been observing and reporting on trials to ensure they comply with international human rights standards and with the national laws of Timor-Leste. The Unit has responsibility for three related areas of work.

The Legal Research Unit (LRU) has been conducting court monitoring at the Dili district court and Court of Appeal, as well in Baucau, Suai and Oecussi. Recent efforts have sought to highlight the problems faced by the judicial system during and after this last year’s conflict, including the progress of legal proceedings such as those involving Alfredo Reinado, Rogerio Lobato and Mari Alkatiri.

JSMP has also commented on judicial independence and education, considering the effect of probationary Timorese court actors and the institution of a Legal Training Centre. Last year, over 50 cases were monitored and reported on.

The Unit’s work has also extended to legislative analysis. Most recently, LSU staff were invited to comment on the draft Electoral Laws. On JSMP’s recommendation, provisions were made in the Electoral Law to allow prisoners to vote, and to make arrangements for people in hospitals to be able to cast their also. Previously, such persons had no opportunity to participate in this important democratic process.

The Unit’s publications have also fed into many of JSMP’s outreach activities, providing information to communities in Dili and other districts. Press releases on cases monitored by the Unit are commonly cited by national newspapers, international media and academic commentators alike. Publications continue to be produced in multiple languages to service a diverse audience. Recently, the LRU’s work in documenting the extent of torture under Indonesian occupation has been publicised through interviews with Radio Television Portugal and with TV Timor-Leste.

Trial Monitoring

The Legal Research Unit monitors hearings in district courts, (Baucau, Suai and Oecussi) and the Court of Appeal in Timor Leste and disseminates information on judicial developments through a variety of media. The Unit has highlighted problems faced by the judicial system during and after the recent conflict, as well as the progress of some high profile legal proceedings. Publications have been released on cases involving Alfredo Reinado, Rogerio Lobato and Mari Alkatiri. JSMP has also commented on judicial independence and education, considering the effect of probationary Timorese court actors and the institution of a Legal Training Centre. In 2006, over 50 cases were monitored and reported on, both at Dili district court, the Court of Appeal and at regional courts at Oecussi, Baucau and Suai.

Parliamentary Monitoring and Legislative Analysis

The Legal Research Unit seeks to monitor the legislative process, and Parliament’s compliance both with the laws of Timor-Leste and with international conventions and treaties to which it is party. Over the years JSMP has produced reports and provided oral and written submissions in response to requests from parliamentary committees. Most recently, the Unit was invited to provide its comments on the draft Electoral Laws. On JSMP’s recommendation, provisions were made in the Electoral Law to allow prisoners to vote, and to make arrangements for people in hospitals to be able to cast their also. Previously, such persons had no opportunity to participate in this important democratic process.

Sr. Roberto da Costa Pacheco is the Legal Research Unit Coordinator. He can be contacted at bebeto@jsmp.minihub.org.