Poslední úprava: HRDINOVA/PRF.CUNI.CZ (09.09.2013)
Tento předmět vznikl na základě nabídky Velvyslanectví USA v ČR, které se na PF UK obrátilo s tím, že přední
americký odborník na alternativní metody řešení sporů Peter R. Kolker projevil zájem o vyučování předmětu
zaměřeného primárně na tuto problematiku na PF UK. Výukový pobyt bude podpořen částečně z prostředků
Fulbrightovy nadace.
Předmět je organizován na bázi blokové výuky v zimním semestru (v polovině října 2013) a výuka
bude plně zajištěna rodilými mluvčími. Základní téma týkající se soudního řízení před soudy USA a ADR technik
bude přednášeno Peterem R. Kolkerem, který je praktikujícím advokátem se zkušenostmi rovněž z akademického
prostředí. Část kurzu bude věnována rovněž právním otázkám transparentnosti postupů ve veřejném sektoru i v
rámci rozhodování sporů. V této části by měl se samostatnou přednáškou vystoupit rovněž velvyslanec USA v ČR
J.E. Norman L. Eisen.
Za obsah kurzu budou odpovídat vyučující společně s garantem předmětu za PF UK Prof. JUDr. Milanem
Damohorským, DrSc.
Výuka probíhá výhradně v anglickém jazyce, je proto nutné, aby studenti, kteří si předmět zapíší, ovládali tento
jazyk na vysoké úrovni jak při mluveném projevu (očekává se velmi interaktivní systém výuky ze strany vyučujících
- především metodou tzv. case study, diskuze, mock trialu), tak písmem (závěrečnou studijní povinností je esej v
rozsahu 5-8 stran a bude hodnocena přímo vyučujícím z USA). V tomto směru má předmět sloužit jako jedna z
možností přípravy studentů pro jejich případný výjezd ke studiu v anglickém jazyce na zahraničních univerzitách
(zejména v USA).
Hlavním cílem předmětu American Judicial System and Alternative Dispute Resolution je umožnit studentům PF
UK získat základní přehled o metodách řešení sporů v USA a získat rovněž základní schopnost komparativního
přístupu k právu napříč kontinentálním i anglosaským právním systémem. Je proto doporučeno, aby se kurzu
účastnili především studenti z vyšších ročníků (třetí ročník a výše), kteří již mají vyšší znalost právního řádu ČR
(včetně procesněprávních institutů) a mohli tak svou účast v tomto kurzu maximálně zúročit.
Metody výuky
Poslední úprava: HRDINOVA/PRF.CUNI.CZ (09.10.2013)
Předmět bude vyučován Peterem R. Kolkerem, advokátem z Washingtonu (D.C.) a předním odborníkem na ADR v USA.
Předmět bude vyučován blokově v těchto termínech:
Úterý 29.10.2013
Středa 30.10.2013
Čtvrtek 31.10.2013
Úterý 5.11.2013
Středa 6.11.2013
Čtvrtek 7.11.2013
(s výhradou možných změn)
V rámci předmětu vystoupí se samostatnou přednáškou rovněž velvyslanec USA v ČR J.E. Norman L. Eisen.
Přednášky začínají vždy od 16 hodin. Výuka bude probíhat v učebně č. 243.
Sylabus
Poslední úprava: HRDINOVA/PRF.CUNI.CZ (09.10.2013)
SYLLABUS FOR OCTOBER 29 - 31, 2013 and NOVEMBER 5 - 7,2013
AMERICAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM MEETS THE CZECH REPUBLIC LEGAL SYSTEM - METHODS OF RESOLVING DISPUTES; ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES TO ASSURE GOVERNMENTAL INTEGRITY
INSTRUCTOR: PETER R. KOLKER (USA) SPECIAL GUEST LECTURER: U.S. AMBASSADOR NORMAN EISEN
General Topics this course will explore:
When Czech business people do business in the U.S., it is important that they understand how the American judicial system operates and how business disputes can be resolved. This two-week course will discuss to different, but related topics:
a)Commerce between the citizens of two countries -- the Czech Republic and the U.S. -- will inevitably involve disputes relating to the business deals. In the U.S., these disputes can be resolved through a law case, by mediation or through the use of arbitration. We will consider these alternative dispute-resolution methods, their costs and the fairness of each, reviewing the U.S. procedures and methods and comparing them to the international arbitration system. We will also discuss the difficulty of collecting a US judgment in the Czech Republic; and
b)We will also examine the importance of transparency in government, because the perception of fairness is critical to a society that relies on the legal system to resolve disputes. Avoiding corruption and assuring that decisions are based on merit, not favoritism or improper considerations, is of critical importance to all participants. Therefore, we will examine how transparency in the administration of justice in the U.S. and in the administration of government programs has helped promote the rule of law and the fairness of outcomes to all participants.
Class methods and special features:
The class will encourage student participation in discussion. During Week I, we will develop an actual business case, with students taking different sides to explore how a contract dispute can best be resolved, either by the court (litigation), by arbitration or by mediation. Actual evidence will be provided to the students for use in the discussion.
During Week II, we expect that U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Norman Eisen will join one of our classes to discuss issues of transparency in government, based on Ambassador Eisen's service in the White House with President Obama.
Class participants will submit a final paper of about five pages on a topic to be provided by the instructor and will receive a numerical grade for course credit.
COURSE OUTLINE
TOPIC A - Week of October 29 - 31, 2013
I.Class 1 - Overview of the American Judicial System for civil disputes
Why is this important to a Czech business person? What are the main elements?
A.Basic structure of American Judicial system:
•Federal and State systems in the U.S. (51 different legal systems!) •How both systems can apply, sometimes at the same time •When the two systems differ, the U. S. Federal system prevails
Defined by: •U.S. Constitution •Statutes - US. laws and laws of the 50 states •Administrative Regulations, binding on those doing business with US •Judicial Decisions (precedents binding on future cases)
B.Contrast to Czech Republic and most civil law countries:
•Where C.R. and other European civil law countries apply specific laws and rules, American system relies on both statutes and interpretations of those statutes which control decisions of later cases.
C.Features of Openness and Transparency in American System:
•Statutes and rules requiring openness for important organizations: e.g., corporations; charities; educational institutions, labor organizations •How the publication of decisions and explanation of rulings allows business people to adjust their conduct by anticipating court rulings. •Openness in dispute resolution: methods for assuring that all evidence concerning the dispute is made available to all participants, requiring participants to produce their "good" and "bad" evidence. •Public proceedings; records of all court cases with limited use of non-public court filings. •Newspapers, TV, internet blogs have full access to court records and are completely available to all citizens.
D.Effect of U.S. Laws on those doing business with the US from abroad:
•How can U.S. laws affect a business person manufacturing his product in the Czech Republic but selling them in the US? •What rules apply to Czech companies doing business with US Government? •Can the U.S. regulate conduct that takes place entirely in the Czech Republic, if it has an effect in the U.S.?
II.Class 2 - Resolving Disputes using the U.S. Courts
A.Overview of Common Disputes between Czech and U.S. Companies
•What we mean by "disputes"; How do they arise? •Disagreement on contract terms •Failure (or inability) to perform a contract •Product is delivered but breaks down or causes injury •Purchaser fails to pay for what he received •Competitor claims a violation of its intellectual property
B.Common methods of resolving disputes in the U.S.:
•Judicial Resolution (in Court); including settlements of filed cases •Arbitration: differences between Arbitration in the U.S. and International Arbitration •Mediation
C.Selection of Dispute Resolution Method
•Contractual provisions often designate the method of dispute resolution •Which is preferable: as a Czech business person, which would you prefer to have in your agreement? Why?
D.Dispute Resolution - in U.S. Courts
•Overview of how law cases are processed in the U.S. •Juries or Judges: compare to Czech Republic: judges only •Role and perception of judges in the U.S. and contrast to the Czech Republic •Who are the people on a jury; how do they make decisions if they have no knowledge of the law? What is good and bad about this system? •How long does it take; how much does it cost to bring a case in the U.S.? •What is an appeal? What are the limitations and costs?
III. Class 3: Mediation or Arbitration Instead of Court
A.Mediation
•Defined as an effort to resolve a dispute without a formal process, to reach an agreement quickly and at lower cost than through a formal process •Typically, a non-binding method of trying to reach agreement, usually led by a neutral, third party. •What are the steps that assure neutrality and integrity of the mediator?
Requiring disclosure of the mediator's experience and contacts to both sides assures independence and integrity of decisions.
• How is the mediator selected? From an organization or list? • What authority does the mediator have? Can he force a resolution? • If not, what’s the point? If so, how does it differ from Court? • What if the mediation does not resolve the dispute: what use can be made of the mediation discussions? Of the mediator’s recommendations? • Does it work? Why? • Is it enforceable? • When is it done in process of dispute resolution?
B. Arbitration in the U.S.
• What does Arbitration mean? How does it work in U.S. cases ? • When and why is arbitration selected as the method of resolving disputes? • Which law applies? • What rules apply to the arbitration? • Proceeds on a "streamlined" (accelerated) basis: • Enforced through the courts, but no appeal: how does that work?
C. International Arbitration compared to U.S. Arbitration • How is the location selected • What law applies? U.S. or Czech? • Comparing cost and time to resolve dispute
D. Difficulties of Collecting a Foreign Judgment compared to Arbitration Award • Can a U.S. Judgment be enforced in the Czech Republic? • Can a Czech Judgment be enforced in the U.S. ? • How enforceable is an arbitration award? • Answers to these questions affect value of litigation.
E. Class Participation : Arbitration or Litigation in the U.S.: Which is Better; Why? • Contract and "evidence" to be provided by the instructor in advance; students will be divided in two groups to take opposing positions in a class discussion. • Class will decide on when one method is better than the other.
TOPIC B: Week of November 5 - 7, 2013
U.S. Ambassador Eisen is expected to participate in one of these classes
IV. Class 4 - Transparency in Government, Corporations and other non-governmental organizations (e.g.,labor unions, non-profit groups)
• What steps can be taken to assure integrity in governmental and NGO functions? • What are the elements of transparency in government?
A. "Transparency" defined:
• Publicly available information about governmental decisions that have been made, how they are made and who or what organizations have influenced those decisions. • Restrictions on unfairly influencing decision-makers (e.g., anti-bribery provisions; restrictions on ex parte (one-sided) communications with judges; assuring integrity of prosecutors and judges in rendering decisions
B. For the purpose of assuring integrity in governmental and non-governmental organizations, predictability of outcome, equal access to government and non-government without regard to status.
C. Ethics rules for government officials: insuring openness in government;
D. Limits on contributing to campaigns of politicians seeking elected office
• What limits are appropriate? What limits interfere with free speech? • Structural provisions (e.g., constitutional provisions, laws, regulations affecting the conduct of governmental and non-governmental organizations. • Ethics rules: commonly accepted understandings of how governmental and non-governmental organizations should behave: what is acceptable; what is not. • Publicizing deviations from accepted conduct in order to encourage compliance with the accepted standards. • The role of the "Inspector General" in Government agencies as a method of eliminating corruption in those agencies. Class discussion to include examples and proposed solutions
V. Class 5- Specific Illustrations of Transparency - and the problems of hidden influence
A. Judicial Misconduct
• Bribery to achieve a decision in cases between government and individuals - e.g., criminal cases in which a judge has been paid to rule for the defendant • Bribery to achieve a decision in cases between private parties • How are instances of such misconduct discovered? • The informant • The "whistleblower"; is it proper to pay someone who discloses improper conduct to encourage the disclosure ? • The role of the press (the reporter) in exposing corruption
B. Prosecutorial Misconduct
a) What is the proper role of the prosecutor? As a member of the government, does he/she serve to carry out the wishes of the government or to implement the laws? When do these two notions diverge?
• How does a prosecutor retain his position if he makes decisions which are contrary to the wishes of the government appointing him? • Term of office? Public pressure in the form of what is "acceptable" both as to the prosecutor and as to his appointing authority. • Political influence to cause a prosecution - or to refrain from prosecution, violating the duty of the prosecutor to follow and carry out the laws.
C. Improper Influence relating to governmental decisions - e.g., administrative decisions which are common governmental activities.
e.g., secret, ( ex parte) communications, payments, "favors" to bring about a desired decision.
• Purpose of Freedom of Information as a method of detecting, and therefore preventing such influences.
D. Corruption in the Electoral Process
• Through payments to assure electoral outcomes, notwithstanding the popular will. • Through the introduction of campaign contributions by individuals and private groups. • But, principles of free expression: when should they permit private campaign contributions and are there limits? How would they be set and administered?
VI. Class 6 - The role of the informant:is it all bad;is it sometimes necessary? The "leaker" of classified information? - Can "leaks" help control corruption? • Is there a role for the Informant? • Can bribery be detected without informants? • Can illegal agreements among competitors which raise prices be detected without informants? • How can improper influence over the prosecutor be detected?
Case Study: A case of judicial misconduct detected in the U.S. - bribery of a federal judge; how it was detected; how it was prosecuted and what happened to the judge?
Use of the informant to detect the bribery: right or wrong?
Payment to those who report fraud affecting the government: is it right or wrong?
• Should informants be encouraged? • The role of an "Inspector General" within an administrative agency: -- is this like an informant; is it necessary to reduce corruption in an agency?
"Leaking of Classified Information" - The recent case of Edward Snowden
• Are there circumstances where violating an agreement to keep information secret is justified? • Was it proper for Edward Snowden to copy secret, government information so that he could disclose it to the public ? • Was it proper for this information to have been kept secret in the first place? • Was it proper for The Washington Post to publish the information ? • Should Edward Snowden go to jail for what he did? • Compare to the "Watergate" case, which resulted in U.S. President Nixon being forced from office, because of crimes he committed.
Vstupní požadavky
Poslední úprava: HRDINOVA/PRF.CUNI.CZ (09.09.2013)
Zapisování na předmět je možné pouze elektronicky prostřednictvím zahraničního oddělení - pí Beranová Renata - mail beranova@prf.cuni.cz . K mailu s přihláškou je nutno přiložit krátký motivační dopis v anglickém jazyce (1 - 2 stránky) a stručný životopis. Studenti budou do kursu následně vybráni po posouzení motivačního dopisu a životopisu a dodatečně zapsání do IS.
Závěrečný termín pro podání elektronických přihlášek je 4.10.2013 do 12:00 hodin.
