Justice System Strengthening Project, Dominican Republic
USAID/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
2001- 2003

Since 2001, MSD has provided leadership, management support, and expertise to strengthen rule of law in the Dominican Republic through direct technical assistance in strategic planning for improved policies and tightened financial management to both the Judiciary and Public Ministry through $4.5 million USAID funding.  MSD was instrumental in the implementation of the 2002 Criminal Procedures Code.  MSD has been at the forefront of the movement to broaden access to justice through strengthening of public defense services and promoting public awareness in the Dominican Republic.  Successful institutional strengthening efforts are based largely on the development of specialized curriculum for the training of judges, prosecutors, and public defenders, provided through the National Judicial School.  MSD was instrumental in launching the Judicial Defense Program under the auspices of the Supreme Court of Justice.