Ulaanbaatar
Judges from the District Court of Texas Visits the State Great Khural of Mongolia
Politics
Ulaanbaatar, May 22, 2025 /MONTSAME/. Secretary-General of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia Baasandorj Barsuren received a delegation from the State of Texas, the United States, on May 21, 2025. The delegation included District Court Judges and Professors Matthew Wright and Charles Vanover, representing the “Spurlock Judicial Fund.”
The Spurlock Judicial Fund, in collaboration with the Mongolian Bar Association, the NGO “Center for Supporting Legal Practice,” and the U.S.-based law firm “Ganzorig & Toback Consulting,” is conducting training and research activities focused on plea bargaining and simplified criminal procedures.
During the meeting, Secretary-General Baasandorj provided an overview of the recent developments following the 2024 Regular Elections, emphasizing that the newly formed State Great Khural consists of 126 members. The Secretary-General noted that the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs now includes highly qualified legal professionals. Secretary-General Baasandorj expressed confidence in the prospect of future cooperation, particularly in the implementation of Chapter 17 of the Criminal Procedure Law of Mongolia, which pertains to simplified criminal proceedings. Secretary-General Baasandorj also expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between the legal and judicial institutions of Mongolia and the United States, reaffirming Mongolia’s readiness to further enhance this partnership.
Professor Matthew Wright highlighted that, as part of the ongoing cooperation, three to four training sessions on plea bargaining have been organized in both Mongolia and the United States. He underscored the value of practical, experience-based training that involves the exchange of judges, lawyers, and legal practitioners between the two countries.
The Judges acknowledged that while the legal systems of the two nations differ, efforts are being made to adapt and introduce best practices from the United States regarding the resolution of criminal cases through simplified procedures. They also noted certain challenges in this process and conveyed that a comprehensive study is underway to address these issues, requesting support for the initiative.
Secretary-General Baasandorj introduced the Parliamentary Research and Development Institute, which operates independently under the Secretariat of the State Great Khural, and recommended exploring cooperation with the Institute moving forward.
