May 6, 1998

Commission on Structural Alternatives for the
Federal Courts of Appeals
Washington, DC 20544
FAX: (202) 208-5102

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is written regarding The Asia Foundation's relationship with the U.S. Courts for the Ninth Circuit. As a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization with headquarters in San Francisco and field offices in Asia since 1954, our mission is to advance the mutual interests of the United States and the Asia Pacific region. One of the Foundation's major priorities is its collaboration with Asian institutions to support programs that address effective law, governance, and citizenship. Promotion of the rule of law through development of legal and judicial institutions, and the individuals who play a key role in those institutions has been a large focus of the Foundation's efforts.

In conjunction with the Foundation's work with the legal/judicial systems in Asia, we have brought members of the judiciary from various countries to the United States for an introduction to the American judicial system, orienting them to such critical concepts as the independence of the judiciary, standards for evaluating performance, and guidelines for judicial ethics. We have sent them to a number of American courts over the years. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has been an important host to our grantees. It has been very instructive for our Asian visitors to gain an understanding of the purpose and functions of the federal judiciary, most particularly those of the federal circuit court of appeals. In effect, the Ninth Circuit has served as a useful model in assisting the process of judicial reform in Asia.

Sincerely,

Richard H. Fuller, Ph.D.
Sr. Director for Country Programs

cc: Mark Mendenhall