Investigaciones

For the past six months I have been researching one step in one law. It is about land rights, and I would like to explain it, but not here. Not now.

Let's talk about how I researched, instead. This investigation has brought me into the offices and board rooms of the powerful, and into the backlots and humble homes of the poor. Some are corrupt, most are victims of corruption. How I have composed myself, shown respect, and conducted interviews with people from different socio-economic backgrounds has been something weighing on my mind ever since I began researching. 

I was in San Pedro Sula for four days, baking in the sun while interviewing community leaders about how their property price was determined, how they were represented in the process, and whether they felt it was a fair price or an injustiprecio. The community members ask me why I am collecting this information. 

“I am investigating this step in the process so that we can eventually present proposals to reform the law.”

This answer does not give anyone clean water, a sewage system, or electricity. But when I walk into a neighborhood with my team, I am given food, coke or gatorade, a hearty welcome, and the title of "lawyer" even though I have no such degree. I feel the meagerness of my research. I hope no one feels that I hustled them into providing information for something that will never actually help their community. 

I am nearly done with my research now. I have put together a paper that diagnoses the problems of one step in one law. Like every other time I have traveled outside the country, I have been given more than I can ever give back.