May 18, 2018

With the intent to combat human trafficking crimes and bring criminals to justice, the government of Nigeria explores the possibility of transforming their criminal justice system to an adversarial type similar to the United States through forums and workshops coordinated by CWAG (Conference Western Attorneys General) and sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer.

San Diego Deputy Public Defender and international trial skills instructor Jesus Romero informed the BINATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION (BBA) correspondent that he was part of a transcontinental educational trip to this African nation this past April to share the perspective of the defense side.

Attorney Romero considered this visit of great importance and relevance to the criminal justice system in developing countries.

During this forum, San Diego Deputy DA Mary-Ellen Barrett and Marisa Di Tillio presented two separate symposiums: one on transactional crime and wildlife trafficking, and the other on the effective administration of law.  Both prosecutors are part of the Sexual Crimes and Human Trafficking Unit of the San Diego County District Attorney.