Ukrainian judges visit valley to learn about US legal system
They traveled more than 6,000 miles to see the American legal system at work in Las Vegas.
A delegation of Ukrainian judges, translators and others visited the valley from Sept. 10 -17, at the Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Ave., as part of the Open World, Rule of Law Program.
Congress established the Open World Program in 1999 to enhance understanding between the U.S. and Russia by giving emerging Russian leaders a firsthand look at the U.S. political system, business environment and community life.
Five Ukrainian judges shadowed the Eighth Judicial District Court judges in their courtrooms and watched criminal and civil court proceedings. The group discussed American law through the use of translators -- asking questions about the death penalty in Nevada, case statistics for judges and laws about recording court proceedings.
There is no death penalty in Ukraine, and courts have the ability to record audio during proceedings. Video recordings can be allowed if the court consents; however, the court does not provide video equipment. That can be brought in by journalists, a translator explained.
During the weeklong immersion, the delegation also visited the Lloyd D. George U.S. Federal Courthouse, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Clark County Family Court and the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV and participated in a video conference discussion with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to demonstrate how technology is used.
District Court Chief Judge Jennifer Togliatti answered questions from the delegation and discussed an election cycle for judges, who serve six-year terms, and explain ed how the nonpartisan candidates are pared to two during a primary election and that the general election determines the winner.
She also discussed how judicial candidates raise money, a minimum of $100,000, for their campaigns and how they get their platform out to voters through the use of television commercials, debates and mailers.
The delegation asked whether political influence ever infiltrates the courts and transparency with the media. The U.S. legal experts discussed how voters have the power to keep judges on the bench once their six years is up.
Afterward, the Ukrainian judges were presented with ceremonial gavels in Togliatti's 10th-floor office at the Regional Justice Center.
"It's important to educate other nations on how our justice system actually works," Judge Lloyd D. George said in a written statement. "Many judges from visiting nations have gleaned the best of what American justice has to offer. Over the years, the Open World Program has improved access to justice worldwide."
Contact reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@
reviewjournal.com or 455-4519.
