Connecting Courts and Cultures: Mongolian Prosecutors Visit Tulsa

Tulsa Global Alliance was honored to host five prosecutors from Mongolia, accompanied by Facilitator Nomintsetseg Munkhbayar, through the U.S. Congressional Office of International Leadership’s Open World Program, November 14-22 to learn about the rule of law in the United States.

TGA arranged meetings with a number of legal and law enforcement resources in Tulsa, including U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson, Judge Christine Little, Senator Steve Lankford’s office, City of Tulsa Municipal Court, Tulsa County Public Defender’s Office, Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler, Tulsa County Court Clerk Don Newberry, Child Advocacy Network, GableGotwals, Attorney Dana Jim, David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center, 911 Emergency Call Center, Tulsa County Bar Association, Tulsa Police Department, University of Tulsa Center for Global Engagement, and University of Tulsa College of Law. TGA also arranged a Toast the Travelers reception at NEFF Brewing, and despite a rainy evening, over 20 Tulsans attended.

The Mongolian prosecutors observed cases in federal court and met with prosecutors at the local, state, and federal level. They discussed a variety of criminal justice issues with their Tulsa counterparts, including fentanyl poisoning, cybercrimes, and human trafficking. There were many discussions of similarities and differences between legal systems, but the fundamental principle that was emphasized by Tulsans and Mongolians in several of their meetings was the duty of prosecutors to seek truth and justice.

The group stayed with host families for a week, and their cultural program included a visit to Philbrook Museum, a bluegrass concert at the Mercury Lounge, and many family gatherings and opportunities for shopping in Tulsa. TGA is grateful to Becky Collins, Shirley Vincent, Ted Koller and Isabel Carrasco, Connie Swan and Bob Klunder, and Edwin and Tabitha Oriewo for serving as volunteer host families for the delegates. TGA also expresses appreciation to Edith and Glenn Wilson for hosting a Thanksgiving-themed farewell dinner for the group at their home. In addition to delicious food, the group’s final evening in Tulsa was filled with singing, as Mongolians and Tulsans shared traditional songs. The delegation departed Tulsa with an appreciation for the rule of law around the world, and many fond memories of Tulsa, thanks to TGA’s citizen diplomats.