This post is one of several which cover professional speakers the Criminal Justice Program brings into the classroom, allowing students to learn from and connect with experts who currently work in a variety of areas in the criminal justice field. Check out our recap post for a list of speakers the CJ Program hosted during the fall 2015 semester.
On September 24, 2015, Ashland County Common Pleas Court Judge Ronald P. Forsthoefel visited students in CJ 362, Criminal Law. During the week of the Judge's visit, the students had been studying the topic of punishment, including: imprisonment, alternative sentences to prison, fines and forfeiture. The class was also examining the topic of career criminals and the repeat offender.
On September 24, 2015, Ashland County Common Pleas Court Judge Ronald P. Forsthoefel visited students in CJ 362, Criminal Law. During the week of the Judge's visit, the students had been studying the topic of punishment, including: imprisonment, alternative sentences to prison, fines and forfeiture. The class was also examining the topic of career criminals and the repeat offender.
Judge Forsthoefel
discussed his first-hand experience in the above areas, including his
extensive use of pre-sentence investigation reports and statutory
sentencing guidelines in reaching a determination about the appropriate
sentence to impose upon an offender. The Judge spoke to the students
about his attempts to deter and rehabilitate offenders by using
community based options, especially professional treatment for drug
addicts, rather than prison. The Judge told the class about his
frustration when his attempts to rehabilitate some criminals fail and
they re-offend, despite having been afforded multiple opportunities to
reform without a commitment to prison. When probationers re-offend or
otherwise fail on probation, the Judge explained he must then focus
fully on the safety of the community and those felons are sent to
prison.
Judge Forsthoefel also told students about his
professional path to becoming a Judge, including: serving as an
assistant prosecuting attorney, engaging in the private practice of law
and serving as a Magistrate before being elected Judge.
Students appreciated hearing the topics in their textbook brought to life through Judge Forsthoefel's remarks!