REGENSBURG, Germany - Eighteen German Law students attended the annual American Law Course, 3 Nov. 2016, at the Regensburg Courthouse to learn key differences between the American and German legal systems.
Army Capt. Tom Warschefsky and Capt. Heather Hicks from United States Army Garrison Bavaria - Hohenfels were key speakers in the annual American Law Course. The class consisted of four segments: Introduction to the American Legal System, Evidence, Criminal Law, and a Mock Trial event in which students were able to participate as members of an American court case.
Central to this course was the fact that German law and American law differ in a number of ways. American law follows the common law system whereas the German law follows the civil law system.
"Students were very intrigued by the jury system that we have in America." said Hicks. "Germany does not have a jury in their legal system."
The class was part of a larger program overseen by Ms. Mechtchild Benkert from the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, 7th Army Training Command that will take place in November at four locations throughout Germany. The purpose of the class was to build interoperability through social interactions with the German students.
After the training, Capt. Warschefsky and Capt. Hicks met with the Principal Judge of Regensburg, lawyers from the Regensburg Courthouse, and other legal professionals.
The class is designed to achieve the concept of Strong Europe which serves to "create beneficial opportunities, improve interoperability, and build capacity in partners and allies."
"Having classes such as this forges a partnership with our host nation that goes beyond the typical military engagements we often see. Regardless of our branches or specialties, we can all promote Strong Europe" said Warschefsky.
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