A report on one REI fellow’s study program

Update about Justice Phomsouvanh’s visit to the United States to partake in REI’s Fellows Program

REI’s home office was abuzz with activity in anticipation of Justice Phomsouvanh’s visit to Colorado Springs, CO, U.S.A. February 19 through March 19. As reported in the Studying Abroad: REI’s Fellows Program February 18 blog entry, Justice Phomsouvanh (pronounced “Pom-suh-vaun”) is a Supreme Court Justice of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). He is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in jurisprudence at the University of Nagoya, Japan, and is also responsible for the training of judges in the Lao PDR.

Justice Phomsouvanh was welcomed by Roderick Beidler, REI President and CEO, other REI staff, and invited guests from the Colorado Springs legal and government community at a reception on February 21. During his visit, the Justice was hosted by Roderick and Connie Beidler and Paul and Beth Ronka. Paul Ronka, REI’s Director of New Program Development, was tasked with developing the REI jurisprudence training and education program for the Justice’s visit.

This exchange was part of REI’s Fellows program, created to encourage professionals in the countries where REI serves to come to the U.S. to study alongside a American professionals practicing in their field. Justice Phomsouvanh’s program was the initial step in developing an REI Jurisprudence training and education program in Laos. It included a study in constitutional and business law, interviews and observations in the legal realm, and forensics. Specifically, the program included the following:

- Visits to selected agencies (including the State Supreme Court and Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver)

- Observation of a law class at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)

- Observations of jury selection, trials, and other court sessions

- Visits to the Colorado Springs Metro Crime Lab, Police Department, and County Jail

- A ride-along with a city police officer and county deputy sheriff

Justice Phomsouvanh also became familiar with the REI-Vietnam Program, and met with Brian Teel, Vice President of REI’s Vietnam program, and other REI-VN staff for meals and evening conversation.

The Justice’s four-week visit to the United States was not all work. He also had opportunities to experience American culture including skiing, a visit to the U.S. Olympic Training Center, church attendance, a tour of the USAFA Chapel, attendance at a USAFA basketball game, and a tour of the State Capitol Building. He also visited with relatives in the Aurora area.

While with us the Justice was provided with several books relating to the U.S. Government and the various aspects of our legal system, a copy of Sandra Day O’Connor’s book, The Majesty of the Law, and a notebook containing the U.S. Constitution and other legal documents, definitions of important legal terms, and web descriptions of state officers and facilities.

REI’s goals were to provide Justice Phomsouvanh with an overview of basic principles of American jurisprudence, the structure of the U.S. government and our court system, and how the U.S. legal system operates. The United States and Laos have vastly different legal systems, so this exchange was mutually beneficial to the Justice and REI. He shared that his visit added greatly to his general knowledge of law, and was very helpful to him professionally—showing him a picture of U.S. constitutional law first-hand. He especially enjoyed the cultural activities.

REI’s home office was honored to host Justice Phomsouvanh during his visit to Colorado Springs, and looks forward to building on the relationships that were established during his visit.