Ghana Supreme Court Justice to Visit Law School

Justice Yonny Kulendi, of the Ghana Supreme Court, and Judge Michael Mills, of the U.S. District Court, will share their friendship and experience at noon Wednesday (Sept. 9) in Weems Auditorium.

The event is free and open to the public.

"What a fabulous opportunity for our students to hear an international perspective on the essential role of lawyers as the rule of law and democracy are challenged around the world," said Fred Slabach, dean of the law school. "We are grateful to Justice Kulendi for sharing his expertise with our students and to Judge Mills for bringing him to the law school."

The two judges met roughly five years ago when Mills taught a class in Ghana about the rule of law. The concept means no one is above the law and everyone is treated equal under it. The two have kept in touch since.

"Judge Kulendi is a wonderful person who is dedicated to advancing democracy and the rule of law," Mills said.

Following five years of service on the Ghana Supreme Court, judges are afforded a quinquennial, which is an opportunity to visit anywhere in the world to continue legal observation and learning.

Kulendi chose to visit Mississippi as part of his quinquennial.

During the speaking engagement, the Ghanaian judge will discuss the importance of the rule of law in all democracies, problems with corruption in Ghana and comparisons between the U.S. and Ghana court systems. The session will include time for audience questions.

While in Mississippi, Kulendi will also observe sentencing and motion hearings at U.S. District Court in Oxford and will speak with several law school classes and an undergraduate class in the Croft Institute for International Studies.

Mills hopes attendees will realize how the American experiment has taken root in other countries.

"While I was in Africa, if I began quoting our Declaration of Independence, the Ghanaians around me would recite the next line," he said. "It is fascinating how much our country has influenced theirs."

Attendees will hear firsthand of America's influence.

"By visiting with Judge Kulendi, people will improve their understanding of how traditions in the U.S. impact and influence emerging democracies around the world," Mills said.

Top: Justice Yonny Kulendi, of the Ghana Supreme Court, and Judge Michael Mills, of the U.S. District Court, will speak Wednesday (Sept. 9) at the School of Law. The men struck up a friendship when Mills led a course in Ghana about the rule of law. Photo by Hunt Mercier/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services