On November 15, 2024, Baylor Law School welcomed a delegation of attorneys from Mongolia, including a former justice of the Supreme Court of Mongolia, as part of a U.S. tour to study establishing a public defender system in the East Asian country. Sponsored by the Spurlock Judicial Fund, the visit aimed to provide the group with insights into the workings of the American legal system, particularly the Sixth Amendment right of criminal defendants to effective legal representation, regardless of their ability to pay.
Along with visiting Baylor Law School, the delegation also scheduled stops at the federal courthouse to visit Judges Jeffrey Manske and Derek Gilliland, a tour of the U.S. Marshal’s Office in Waco, and a tour of the Jack Harwell Detention Center. Other scheduled events included visits to the state courthouse to meet with judges, giving the delegation a comprehensive picture of the multiple facets of the American judicial system.
Judge Matthew Wright, Presiding Judge in multiple jurisdictions in Central Texas and a key organizer of the delegation’s visit, shared the historical significance of this partnership. “We’ve been working with the Mongolian legal system and judiciary for 30 years,” Judge Wright said. “Since their shift from a communist system to a democratic adversarial system, the Mongolian legal community has sought practical knowledge to build their rule of law. This delegation’s visit will enable them to return home and train other members of their bar, strengthening their evolving legal framework.”
Baylor Law School’s participation in the delegation’s visit was essential to their Waco experience. Known for its rigorous litigation training and commitment to community service, Baylor Law School provides a natural connection to the delegation’s mission. Judge Wright noted, “Baylor Law School has such a rich tradition in litigation and access to justice, making them a perfect partner for this initiative.” Lewis Gainor, Supervisory Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Office of the Public Defender in Waco, emphasized the importance of Baylor Law School’s involvement, stating, “Baylor is the anchor of the legal community here in Waco. They are teaching the next generation of lawyers—future advocates for human dignity and freedom, just like the Mongolian delegation.”
Following their time in Waco, the delegation continued their study in Tarrant County, observing criminal court proceedings and expanding their understanding of how the public defense system works.
The visit exemplified the power of cross-cultural collaboration in promoting justice and democracy. As Mongolia continues to shape its legal system, the insights gained during the delegation’s time in Waco will contribute to building a robust public defense framework. Baylor Law School is honored to play a pivotal role in this historic moment, supporting the global pursuit of justice and the rule of law.
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