NEW YORK, April 8, 2008 — The American Bar Association International Law Spring Meeting was the largest ever with over 1,300 attendees. Panel sessions discussed topics on: the judicial independence of Pakistan; warrantless surveillance; the constitutionality of the War in Iraq; immigrant detainee treatment; and the debate over freedom of the press in the courtroom.

A showcase panel including former judicial leaders of Pakistan, as well as ABA President William Neukom discussed the long term effects of President Pervez Musharraf’s actions on the nation’s constitution, the effects of the war on terror, and future action needed to restore the independence of the Pakistan judiciary.

Additionally, Richard C. Breeden, former chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and economics advisor to President George H.W. Bush, spoke at a luncheon and offered personal insight into the Bear Stearns crisis, the subprime debacle and how the history of the financial markets will affect the future economy.

Other featured panelists include: Umar Faruk Abdullahi, commander of the Niger and president, Court of Appeal; Suon Visal, The Asia Foundation; Mario Cuomo, former Governor of New York; and Cherie Booth Blair, English barrister and wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair; and Richard Belzer, actor on Law & Order.

Summaries and/or podcasts/video are available for the following showcase panels:

• Justice and the Rule of Law: Pakistan
• Helping Poor Women Around the World: What Private Lawyers Can Do for the Public Good (featuring Cherie Blair)
• Freedom of the Press and Coverage of the Law

The ABA Section of International Law, which has more than 20,000 members in 90 countries, is the leader in the development of policy in the international arena, the promotion of the rule of law, and the education of international law practitioners. The Section seeks to promote and further the development of interest, activity, and research in international and comparative law and related areas; to promote knowledge and formulate professional opinion of international law among members of the legal profession and others; to promote professional relationships with lawyers similarly engaged in foreign countries; and to advance the rule of law in the world.

With more than 413,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

Reporters inquiries should be directed to Jane Singleton at 202/662-1093 or singletv@staff.abanet.org.