Venezuela is the fifth largest oil exporter in the world, it holds the second largest reserves of heavy crude oil and supplies about 13% of daily oil imports to the U.S. Nevertheless, almost 30% of its population still lives in poverty. On October 7^th 2012, President Chávez was re-elected for another presidential period, thus making him the second longest serving President in the history of the Venezuela. Since the first Chávez administration that began in 1999, Venezuela has undergone a series of important changes with respect to the operation of its legal and political institutions. This roundtable discussion featuring three Venezuelan scholars will address those changes from the standpoint of the justice system, social policies and freedom of speech.

Visiting Professor Rogelio Pérez-Perdomo (SLS, Universidad Metropolitana) will discuss the rise of violent criminality during President Chávez’s long tenure and the failure of the Justice reform initiatives in producing positive results.

Professor Manuel A. Gómez, JSD’07 (FIU College of Law) will discuss the impact of President Chavez’s social policies dubbed Bolivarian Misiones and their manipulation for political purposes.

Ana Cristina Núñez Machado JSM’12 (SLS JSD candidate) will address the status of free speech in Venezuela as a result of the policies carried out by the Chávez administration.

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