[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1493-E1494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE INTERNATIONAL RULE OF LAW CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF 
                                RICHMOND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ERIC CANTOR

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chairman Bill 
Young and Chairman Jim Kolbe for including the International

[[Page E1494]]

Rule of Law Center at the University of Richmond as a program that will 
be actively considered by the U.S. Agency for International 
Development. This is an important step forward in our effort to enhance 
fair and judicial systems internationally.
  Today, one of the most pressing needs in emerging democracies is to 
educate leaders who administer justice in the traditions of due 
process, transparency, accountability, consistency, and judicial 
independence. Only with an understanding of such values can leaders 
within a society go forward to create stable and sustainable justice 
systems that are critical to democracy.
  With the aim of international stability in mind, it is in our 
national interest to foster a crosscultural exchange and understanding 
of the importance of law. The International Rule of Law Center at the 
University of Richmond will play a constructive role in accomplishing 
this goal by supporting the education of future judges in emerging 
democracies.
  The International Rule of Law Center will educate approximately 20 
foreign students in a 1-year program that culminates with the students 
earning a master of laws degree. The program will include many 
practical field experiences and trips, in addition to a curriculum that 
focuses on judicial administration, constitutional law, the theory of a 
sound and fair system of justice, and elements of international law.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Chairman Bill Young and Chairman Jim Kolbe for 
their efforts, and I look forward to working with them in the future.

                          ____________________