Mongolian judges learn the legal side of Vegas

When a group of tourists visits Las Vegas, the Lloyd George U.S. Courthouse doesn't usually make the list of must-see spots. That wasn't the case for four Mongolian judges who spent most of a one-week visit in government buildings.

The group touched down in the city July 25 and left for home August 1. Stops were made at traditional attractions such as the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. But the delegates were here to learn.

Through arrangements by six Southern Nevada Rotary clubs and the Open World Leadership Center, the delegates met Judge Lloyd George, visited the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and toured Family Courts in Clark County, to name a few.

The organizations have coordinated to bring leaders from post-Soviet countries to the United States since 1999. This gives them an opportunity to take their insight on the American legal system to their countries.

The four visiting judges deal with criminal courts in Mongolia. Munkhuu Dashdorj and Otgonjargal Tsedev serve as chief judges in two Mongolian provinces.

The delegates shared their experience through an interpreter.

"I'm very pleased because ... we are here to obtain a lot of intellectual knowledge," said Dashdorj, who has been a judge for 13 years. "I think of this opportunity as a very special one because it is our interest area."

Mongolia has had a democratic government for only 25 years. The country's first election in 1990 ended decades of political turbulence with China as well as conflict between its own inner and outer regions.

Open World requires a host judge from every destination. George has taught visitors about the American legal system since the program's creation.

"I think it's a very good idea," he said. "Typically we have large numbers of judges from foreign countries who come to Washington, D.C., to spend some time, and then they're sent out to different areas of the country to spend a week there."

Tsedev, a chief judge for two years, was interested in the differences between the countries' justice systems.

"There's just so much to learn that really pertains to our experiences in terms of Mongolian justice systems," she said. "If we wanted it to be changed in the future … a pretty good example to follow is the U.S. justice system."

George has hosted Baltic nations, Russia and other countries. Even though he has enjoyed it each year, he said this one will likely be his last.

"I'm really impressed with the Mongolians," he said. "They're really a remarkable people, and I'm impressed with this little group of men and women."

Before returning to Mongolia, Dashdorj expressed his gratitude for the experience.

"I can't express how invaluable the intellectual investment is for putting this amazing investment to us through the Open World program, the Rotary Club, Judge George," he said. "The people of Las Vegas have contributed not only to our knowledge, but also to the fellowship and friendship of our two countries."

Contact May Ortega at mortega@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2908. Find her on Twitter: @MayVOrtega