Section 3: Training prior to exercising as citizen assessors

Before taking up their duties, citizen assessors undergo a one-day training course on the workings of the criminal justice system and the duties they will be required to perform. The training also includes a visit to a prison.

This training is provided by : – one or more judges from the courts within the jurisdiction of the court of appeal, appointed by the first president; – one or more prosecutors from the courts within the jurisdiction of the court of appeal, appointed by the public prosecutor; – a lawyer appointed by the president of the bar association of the judicial court at the seat of which the training…

The purpose of the training is to enable citizen assessors to assess the meaning and scope of the oath provided for by article 10-11. It covers the essential elements concerning : the composition, methods of referral and jurisdiction of criminal courts including citizen assessors; the offences falling within the jurisdiction of these courts; the rules relating to criminal liability and grounds for non-accountability; the respective roles of judges and the…