The U.S. assistance led to some improvements in the administrative 

capabilities of the judicial sector, the training of magistrates and 

prosecutors, and the access of the population to justice. For instance, 

according to a 1998 evaluation of the activities conducted by one of the 

major USAID contractors involved in the assistance program, these 

activities (1) helped improve some of the administrative capabilities, such 

as case registration systems, in 83 of the more than 180 justice of the peace 

courts; (2) supported legal advisors for these and other judicial institutions; 

and (3) helped provide free legal assistance to the population. For example, 

this major USAID contractor, through several subcontractors, provided 

free legal assistance to a large number of people on criminal and civil 

matters.

Also, the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and 

Training helped develop case tracking systems in prosecutor offices in 

10 of the 15 judicial jurisdictions throughout Haiti. The office also provided 

short term training to large numbers of judicial officials and helped 

establish and operate the magistrate school, where new magistrates 

receive long term training to improve their legal skills and knowledge of 

courtroom operation. For instance, from July 1995 through October 1996, 

the office provided emergency short term training to 360 judges. The office 

also helped develop long term training for new magistrates in the 

magistrate school. Currently, 60 magistrates have graduated from the 

school, and 40 students at the school are completing their internships in 

different judicial institutions and plan to graduate in October 2000.

Serious Deficiencies 

Despite U.S. assistance, the Haitian judicial sector continues to exhibit 

Remain in the Judicial 

major shortcomings. It lacks independence from the executive branch and 

Sector

has outdated legal codes and cumbersome judicial proceedings. Also, it has 

inadequate infrastructure and shortages of personnel and equipment and 

has limited investigative capabilities. Furthermore, it suffers from 

corruption and an ineffective internal oversight capability, and it serves 

only a small portion of the population. Finally, the judicial sector has not 

undergone a major reform effort.

Despite the constitutional mandate for an independent judicial sector, the 

executive branch, through the Ministry of Justice, continues to control the 

judicial sector, including the judicial budget and judicial appointments, 

training, evaluation, and removal. The lack of independence compromises 

the impartiality of the judicial sector, according to U.S. and Haitian 

officials. Because the Haitian government has not vigorously supported 

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GAO 01 24  Foreign Assistance