From September 23 to 29, 2012, at the invitation of the Cultural and Economic Cooperation Committee of the Macomb County, Michigan, the U.S., Vice President Ma Huaide visited Macomb County to investigate launching plans for an International Continuing Education Program in cooperation with Michigan courts as well as relevant state government organs.
Top left: Vice President Ma exchanging opinions with U.S. Federal Judge George Steeh
Top right: Vice President Ma holding discussion with Judge Elizabeth Gleicher, Michigan Court of Appeals
Bottom left: Vice President Ma holding talks with Justice Marilyn Kelly, Michigan Supreme Court
Bottom right: Taking photos with U.S. Federal Congressman Sander Levin (2nd from left)
In Michigan, Vice President Ma first held talks with Michigan Congressmen Jon Switalski and Tony Forlini, Macomb Municipal Committee members Fred Miller and Ron Robinson, as well as Ed Bruley, the Democratic Party Chairman of Macomb. They discussed plans to train Chinese lawyers, judges, prosecutors and civil servants in cooperation with the relevant Michigan departments.
Soon afterwards, Vice President Ma inspected the equipment of the University Center and Middle School of Macomb which would provide facilities for CUPL for training, education and administration. In addition, Vice President Ma also visited other critical places that would offer practical training –Michigan's Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, District Court and Federal Courts. He also met with the judges from courts at all levels on issues such as how to improve vocational training.
During the stay, Vice President Ma and U.S. Federal Congressman Sander Levin discussed the possibility of federal support for the program. In addition, Vice President Ma also took the opportunity to visit the U.S. Department of Commerce. There, in a talk with American legal experts, he explained some important issues regarding the development of administrative law in China.
