Representatives of the Ukrainian judiciary pay study visit to the United States

The Ukrainian delegation visited the United States to share practical experience and strengthen cooperation. The study visit was joined by representatives of the Ukrainian judiciary, including Supreme Court Judge of the Criminal Cassation Court, member of the Council of Judges of Ukraine Viktor Ostapuk.

The delegation members met with their foreign colleagues to learn about the specifics of the American judicial and law enforcement systems and to share Ukraine's experience in these areas.

In particular, the guests had the opportunity to talk to judges and Chief Judge of the Superior Court of Cobb County (Marietta, Georgia) Ann Harris. They also attended court hearings.

In Washington, D.C., the Ukrainian delegation met with the Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, U.S. Navy Admiral Barry Black and the Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Navy Admiral Margaret Kibben.

The delegation also visited the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, where they met with Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova.

Fruitful discussion was held with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina (Raleigh) Paul Newby. The judge informed the representatives of Ukraine about the work of the institution, focusing on the structure of the Court and the peculiarities of its functioning.

A meeting with the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Bobby Higdon, who shared his experience with Ukrainian colleagues and spoke about a number of criminal cases in which he had participated has aroused great interest. In particular, he was involved as an expert in the investigation of war crimes committed in Yugoslavia.

As part of the visit, the Ukrainian delegation had the opportunity to visit such places of interest as the US Capitol (the US Congress building), the World Bank headquarters, the Dawson County Sheriff's Department (the county's courtrooms and educational facilities), the Billy Graham Mission and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. During the tour of the latter facility, the guests learned about the work of the detention centre and the specifics of detention.

Among other things, representatives of Ukraine learned the latest information on the activities of the US judiciary. Particular attention was paid to the discussion of ensuring the safety and security of justice system facilities and litigants.

The Ukrainian and American colleagues exchanged professional experience and shared effective practices in the operation of the judicial system of each country.

Representatives of the American judiciary expressed their support for their Ukrainian colleagues and the Ukrainian people as a whole, and confirmed their interest in further cooperation.

The visit was organised by the National School of Judges of Ukraine in cooperation with the Global Christian Support charitable organisation.