Chinese Law Students Observe 40th District Court

The courtroom of the was a classroom this week for two Chinese law students visiting from China.

Albert Liujimiag, 32, and Leo Sun Xingya, 20, spent three days observing proceedings in court, reviewing court files and discussing the differences between the legal systems of the United States and China with lawyers and Judges Mark Fratarcangeli and Joseph Oster.

"This program is very useful for American and Chinese students to learn from each other and enhance the relationship and exchange between our countries," said Liujimiag.

The two students in the Shores were part of a group of 20 who were visiting Macomb as part of a Legal Study Tour, the exchange program established by Macomb Cultural & Economic Partnership.  

The goal of the organization is to open up economic relationships between Macomb County and China.

“Working hand-in-hand with business and school leaders in both Macomb County and China, we’re opening up a dialogue and making concrete steps to create more jobs that will help Macomb’s economy thrive in the 21st century,” said Fred Miller, President of MCEP, in a release.

During their two-week visit, the students were also scheduled to meet with a Michigan Supreme Court Justice and visit a local law firm in addition to courtroom visits.

"Through this program we can experience the legal systems by ourselves," said Sun Xingya. "Before we only watched (court proceedings) on television. This program gives us the opportunity to see it for ourselves."

During one meeting, the students spoke for nearly three hours with Fratarcangeli about the American legal system.

"These students were very curious on how our legal system works," said Fratarcangeli, who described the students as "businesslike" in their discussion.

Following their visit to Macomb, the students were scheduled to visit Washington, DC before returning to China.