In 2008 the Law Program of the Center for the Study of Democracy continued focusing on current issues in the area of legal and institutional, as well as judicial reform in the country.

2008 Highlights

• Continuing research on the costs of crime with a view to improving penal policies and penalty execution systems in the European Union and the Member States, as well as reducing crime.

• Exploring the relevance and feasibility of adopting pan-European indicators of public confidence in the criminal justice system.

• Studying the legislation, policies, and measures adopted in EU Member States with regard to victims of crime.

• Providing expert assistance to build the capacity of the ombudsman institution at the national and local levels.

• Monitoring racism and xenophobia in the country, as well as the policies and measures for their prevention and counteraction.

• Building the capacity of civil society to implement monitoring in the field of justice and home affairs.