College of Law Lecture Considers Politicization of US Criminal Prosecutions

Reflecting its strong international and comparative law focus, Hamad bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law partnered with Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) to host a public lecture on issues shaping US criminal prosecutions by Professor Wadie Said of the University of Colorado School of Law.  

Based on his upcoming law review article titled ‘The Politicization of Criminal Prosecution in the American Context,’ Professor Said addressed recent criminal prosecutions in the United States that have foreign and domestic political considerations at their heart, particularly as to matters involving terrorism. Participants from diverse legal backgrounds joined Professor Said, who is also Senior Visiting Fellow, GU-Q, to discuss the often far-reaching implications of US criminal law enforcement. College of Law Assistant Professor Dr. Fatima Ahdash, whose own research examines the role of courts in the United Kingdom in a similar context, particularly as to family law, provided comments to Professor Said’s address.  

Reflecting on the session, Dean Susan Karamanian, College of Law, said: “Professor Said’s lecture and Professor Ahdash’s response shed insight into the broad societal consequences of criminal prosecutions as well as associated decisions of courts. The comparative law focus enabled our students and faculty, as well as invited guests, to better appreciate the role of courts.  We would like to thank GU-Q for their cooperation in organizing this event, and look forward to working with them on future initiatives.” 

Situated at a global crossroad of culture, business, and geopolitics, the College of Law hosts internationally recognized faculty that bring substantial expertise to contemporary legal issues of profound relevance to Qatar, the region, and beyond.