A Supreme Court Justice from Laos Studies U.S. Constitutional Law Through REI’s Fellows Program

On one trip to Laos, a friend from one of the hospitals where REI serves told Roderick Beidler, “I want you to meet someone. He may be an important contact someday.” They sat down to lunch with Mr. Phomsouvanh Philachanh (that’s “Pom-suh-vaun Fill-uh-chaun”)—a Supreme Court Justice in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. They enjoyed their meal and conversation and struck up a friendship because of their common background in political science and international relations.

Now Justice Phomsouvanh is coming to the U.S. to study constitutional law through REI’s Fellows program.

When Roderick would return to Laos, he would seek out Justice Phomsouvanh (in Laos, a person is referred to by their first name almost exclusively). In the course of their conversations, Roderick asked, “How can REI serve you and the justice system of Laos?” Justice Phomsouvanh mentioned a desire for REI to offer a course or series of courses in constitutional law in Laos.

Roderick came back to the U.S. and talked this over with Paul Ronka, REI’s Director of New Program Development. Intrigued, they contacted a few lawyer friends to talk over the possibilities. They decided that the best way to begin working on a jurisprudence program in Laos would be to bring him to the U.S. through a study visa to participate in REI’s Fellows program, showing him a picture of U.S. constitutional law first-hand.

REI’s Fellows program was created to encourage professionals in the countries where REI serves to come to the U.S. to study alongside an American professional practicing in their field. Along with the study program, REI Fellows are given a chance to participate in American cultural activites, which gives them a well-rounded experience.

Justice Phomsouvanh accepted REI’s offer—he would take a break from studying for his PhD in Japan and come to the U.S. to study constitutional law. Soon, the dates were set and his visa was granted, and Paul Ronka set to work on creating a schedule of study and cultural activities for Justice Phomsouvanh’s time.

And now Justice Phomsouvanh’s arrival is fast approaching. He arrives on February 19 and will stay through March 19, 2011. REI’s goals are to provide him 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 so that REI can begin to plan a program in jurisprudence in Laos.

His study program will include studying the U.S. Constitution and related materials; meetings with Colorado lawyers, judges, the District Attorney and other officials; observations of trials; a tour of the police crime laboratory; and a ride along with law enforcement officers on patrol. Because he’s also responsible for training judges in Laos, REI has lined up meetings with people responsible for legal and judicial training in Colorado.

Additionally, he will have the opportunity to experience American culture in Colorado by joining REI staff in attending a United States Air Force Academy basketball game, by going on a hike at Garden of the Gods, by touring the U.S. Olympic Training Center, by going skiing in the Rocky Mountains, by viewing modern art at the Fine Arts Center, and by visiting the Pioneer Museum and the local library. He will also stay with REI staff in their homes for much of his trip, getting to participate in ordinary American life and building relationships with REI staff.

Needless to say, REI is honored that Justice Phomsouvanh is participating in the REI Fellow’s program. This constitutional law study program is the first of its kind for REI, so we find ourselves breaking new ground. We are excited to see the result of our efforts!

On Monday, February 21, we will hold a reception in honor of the Justice—look for photos of the event and an update on the Judge’s program in an upcoming post!