Difference between revisions of "Representing Victims of Torture"

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==Interviewing Torture Victims and Gathering Evidence==
 
==Interviewing Torture Victims and Gathering Evidence==
  
The lawyer has a right to interview his client in private without any police officer or prison officer present. The police cannot legally insist that the client be interviewed within their presence or with a police officer within earshot who can hear what is being said between the lawyer and his client.
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The lawyer has a right to interview his client in private without any police officer or prison officer present. The police cannot legally insist that the client be interviewed within their presence or with a police officer within earshot who can hear what is being said between the lawyer and his client. The lawyer should be straightforward with the client about what he/she can realistically achieve for the client, and explain the process thoroughly.  The lawyer should be aware that the victim may not be comfortable right away, and the lawyer may need to conduct several interviews.  The lawyer should always be sensitive to the victim's trauma, using eye contact and sympathetic body language. 
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During this interview the lawyer must find out all relevant information including:
 
During this interview the lawyer must find out all relevant information including:
 
*The client's response to the allegations leveled against him
 
*The client's response to the allegations leveled against him

Revision as of 09:55, 29 June 2010