The Associated Press. 01/23/2001.
The Oklahoman
TULSA -- A veteran Tulsa defense attorney is headed to Cuba to observe that
country's legal system.
Allen Smallwood will be among a group sponsored by People to People
International of about 60 lawyers, judges and law professors from across the
country who will visit Cuba this week.
During the stay, the group will analyze Cuban criminal procedure and
punishment, and any Cuban equivalent of rights that are guaranteed in this
country, such as due process and the right to representation.
Smallwood will focus on the relationship between Cuban prosecutors and other
lawyers, and the extent of any Cuban criminal defense bar.
Dawn Davis, People to People International's director of legal ambassador
programs, said Smallwood's group will be the third group of American legal
officials allowed to visit.
Smallwood said part of the appeal of the trip is that political experts
aren't certain what lies ahead for Cuba after the eventual death of Fidel
Castro.
"It's a chance to see history," he said. "It's an opportunity
to see the tail end of Castro's regime and see something that will soon
disappear."
@ 2001 The Oklahoma Publishing Co. | 