Public figures on trial: an assessment of the use of the "jury court" technique for city officials in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

This study describes the 'Law Court' technique as applied to City Health Departments in the State of Santa Catarina, in dealing with the issue of obligations on the part of public officials. The project was the first part of a training course for public administrators held in 1997. The article presents the technique's components and results. Some 98% of the 156 participants had a positive opinion of the training course, considering it dynamic/participatory (31%), educational/stimulating reflection (27%), and realistic (24%). The technique fostered the discussion of the main subjects pertaining to the country's Unified Health System (SUS). Although all five juries acquitted the defendants, the issue of ethics was reported by 58% of the participants as the main prerequisite for a public administrator.