NCJ Number
122529
Journal
Barrister Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1989-90) Pages: 12-19,40-42
Date Published
1990
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This interview with a Colombian lawyer reflects the importance of solidarity among lawyers in fighting Colombia's drug and guerrilla war.
Abstract
The interviewee, Mario Jinete Manjarres, wrote to the American Bar Association and to bar associations in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador, requesting assistance and cooperation to resolve the drug crisis. Jinete indicates that only 1.5 percent of Colombia's national budget goes to the Department of Justice, down from 4 percent in 1975. He states that the economy must be converted to grow products other than coca. With reference to the Mafia, Jinete notes the Cali Cartel, the Medellin Cartel, and the guerrilla cartel. In certain cases, some of the drug cartels and the Colombian military have the same target, the guerrillas. In other instances, the drug cartels collaborate with the guerrillas, making the military's task more difficult. It is nearly impossible for the Colombian government to negotiate with the cartels, especially since they fight among themselves. In addition, some government and military officials are corrupted by the cartels. The United States should understand that not every Colombian is a drug dealer, and the United States should allow more Colombian products to be imported. Drug legalization is not a viable solution for Colombia's internal drug problem; rather, both children and adults need to be educated about the hazards of drug use. With regard to the justice system, Colombia's judges are appointed, not elected, and are not usually experienced lawyers due to substandard legal and judicial salaries. The public is somewhat confused about the role of lawyers in society, and many cannot afford them. Further, lawyers are educated in legal techniques and not in how to institute social change. Since judges act as both investigators and magistrates, more judges are needed to improve court case congestion. Decrees have been issued by the Colombian government to control drug trafficking, although extradition may be the most effective deterrent to the drug cartels.