Thursday

This morning, we met with three lawyers from the Sociedad Cubana de Derecho International, Organization Nacional de Bufetes Colectivos and Union Nacional de Juristas de Cuba.  While you can do your own translations, essentially, this was the Cuban Bar Association.

Among other things, we learned that 67% of Cuban lawyers are women.  As in the states, there are various levels of trial courts, leading to a Supreme Court.  While most judges are lawyers, some courts have lay people serving on them as well.  There are no jury trials, so the lay judges bring some non-legal opinions into play.  Judges are appointed, subject to renewal, for set terms.  There is no common law in Cuba, although court decisions can be cites for their persuasive value. 

There is a disciplinary system for any lawyer who violates the code of ethics.  Similar to our system, a lawyer accused of misconduct is entitled to due process.  If a violation is found, the lawyer can be reprimanded, suspended or disbarred.

This morning’s  meeting was the first time we had an actual interchange with our hosts.  Our previous meetings were mostly be lectured to by law professors.  While interesting, the interchange this morning was more dynamic.

After lunch, we met with relatives of the “Cuban 5 Heroes,” four of whom remain in American jails..  We made clear to them that we were not representatives of the U.S. government and could not even speak on behalf of People-to-People.  But, we could listen to their stories about their relatives, read the material which they supplied and go back home and learn more about the situation.  We assured them that human beings, we felt their loss and that as lawyers, we were committed to the principal of justice to all.   Therefore, we thanked them for meeting with us and promised to learn more about their relatives’ situation.

Tonight, we went to a neighborhood block party which has been rescheduled from several days ago.
We thought that the highlight of this trip would be the Buena Vista Social Club on Sunday night, but last night will be one we will never forget.

A block party by the “Cubans for the Defense of the Revolution” sounds rather communistic, but it turned out to be an opportunity to meet Cubans and have fun with them.  After the usual welcoming speeches ( I was tempted to challenge the length of one of Fidel’s 6+ hour orations, but  kept it a bit shorter), there was a rounding Spanish version of “Happy Birthday” for Charlotte (and later a cake for both Charlotte and Aly). 

Then, lots of Cuban music, dancing, rum and food.  Language difference seems insignificant and when we finally had to leave, we traded email address, hugs and kisses.