Photo By 1st Lt. Michael Sian | U.S., Liberian, and Sierra Leonean service members pose for a photo with Michigan...... read more read more
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EAST LANSING, Mich. — On Aug. 21, 2025, judge advocates from the 110th Wing and Michigan National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters joined faculty from the Michigan State University College of Law to host five legal professionals from the Armed Forces of Liberia and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
This engagement, part of a three-day State Partnership Program event, introduced partner nation representatives to U.S. criminal justice system legal framework while strengthening relationships and fostering dialogue on the rule of law.
During the visit, participants exchanged best practices on working with juries, discussed the importance of jury trials relating to due process, and explored current challenges facing law professionals involving the evolution of technology and artificial intelligence.
“It was such a unique opportunity and honor to host legal professionals from Liberia and Sierra Leone,” said Veronica Valentine McNally, Director of Trial Advocacy, Michigan State University College of Law. “Despite coming from different legal systems, we found that many of our trial challenges are remarkably similar. The discussion was deeply engaging and mutually enriching, allowing us to learn from one another and grow as legal professionals.”
The delegation also toured the Michigan State Capitol and met with U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ravindra Wagh, Assistant Adjutant General-Army, Michigan Army National Guard, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Scott House, Michigan National Guard executive integrator for the Sierra Leone State Partnership Program, and Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Hopkins, Senior Enlisted Advisor, Michigan Army National Guard. Conversations centered around the importance of the rule of law, as a foundation for democratic success.
“The rule of law is the cornerstone of any thriving democracy,” said Brig. Gen. Ravindra Wagh. “Our discussion with our West African partners reaffirms how essential this principle is to the stability, security, and the success of a nation’s people.”
This visit builds on ongoing cooperation. In 2024, Michigan National Guard judge advocates traveled to Sierra Leone to strengthen professional ties and observe a military court-martial. Looking ahead, the Michigan National Guard JAG Corps is coordinating a follow-on engagement in Liberia later in 2025 to continue advancing this partnership.
| Date Taken: | 08.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.27.2025 09:58 |
| Story ID: | 546307 |
| Location: | EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 215 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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