WILLEMSTAD – This week, the University of Curaçao (UoC) hosted the inaugural lecture of Professor Joost Nan, who has been appointed as Extraordinary Professor of Criminal Procedure at the Faculty of Law. His lecture, titled "Relying on Our Own Strength: The Development of Criminal Law in Curaçao," emphasized the importance of Caribbeanization of the judiciary and legislation.
Professor Nan highlighted the need for more local judges and prosecutors to shape Curaçao’s legal system. He also expressed hope that a Yu’i Kòrsou (native Curaçaoan) will soon be appointed as a professor of criminal procedure.
The evening commenced with an address by Rector Magnificus Stella van Rijn, followed by remarks from Marloes van Casteren, the acting dean of the Faculty of Law. Professor Nan then delivered his lecture, stressing that criminal law in Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, the BES islands, and the Netherlands holds a fixed place within the legal framework of the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands.
While legal principles should be harmonized across the Kingdom, Nan emphasized that there is ample room for local expertise, adaptation, and independent contributions to ensure that Curaçao’s criminal justice system reflects the island’s unique legal needs and capabilities.