October 9, 2002
Temple University (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A)’s Beasley School of Law Dean Robert J. Reinstein has received the 2002 National Friendship Award from the Government of China. The most prestigious distinction in China, the National Friendship Award is presented to distinguished foreign scholars, experts, professors and world leaders. Each year, a small number of recipients are selected, and the award is presented individually by the Premier of China at a special ceremony held on the eve of China’s National Day on October 1st.
Dean Reinstein, the first American law professor or dean to receive this honor, was selected to receive the award because of the contributions made by the Temple University Beasley School of Law in advancing the rule of law in China.
“It is a wonderful honor for Dean Reinstein and Temple’s law program in China to be recognized by the Chinese government with the National Friendship Award,” said Temple President David Adamany. “We are proud that Temple is playing a vital role in the education of judges, lawyers and other legal professionals in China and working with the Chinese Supreme Court and Ministries in advancing the development of a fair and just legal system.”
In 1999, at the invitation of the Chinese government, Temple University’s Law School initiated the first and only foreign law degree-granting program in China’s history. The Masters of Law program teaches Chinese judges, government officials, law professors, minority students and private attorneys about American and international law. The two-year program has already graduated 65 students, and a current class of 44 students began study in August 2002.
In addition to the Masters of Law Program, Temple created a separate educational program for Chinese judges. It has also hosted conferences and working groups to collaborate with Chinese law professors and government officials on such subjects as the new draft law on property, a code of judicial ethics, and compliance with the World Trade Organization regulations.
Temple’s programs in China have been operated in partnership with Tsinghua University in Beijing, The Supreme People’s Court of China, the National Judicial College of China, New York University Law School and Brigham Young University. They have been funded by major grants from the United States Agency for International Development, and the Starr Foundation (AIG’s charitable foundation), and have received support from other corporations and foundations including, the Luce Foundation, the Trace Foundation, General Motors, Dupont, Microsoft and United Airlines.
Temple University’s Beasley School of Law offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, combined J.D. and M.B.A. degree, and a variety of Masters of Law (LL.M.) degrees. Located in Philadelphia, the law school has study abroad opportunities in Tokyo, Rome, Athens and Tel Aviv.
For more information about the award, or Temple Law’s program in Beijing, contact Jennifer Bilotta at (215)793-4666.