Law Day gives students an inside look at court system
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Monday was Law Day in Warren County.
Students from throughout the Warren County School District were invited to the Warren County Courthouse to learn about the workings of the court system - from domestic relations to the criminal process.
President Judge Maureen Skerda - presiding over the afternoon session - said that, outside of weddings and adoptions, there's only one reason she would like to see the students back in the Main Courtroom.
Jury duty.
"Of anything you can do, (jury duty) is one of the most awesome responsibilities," she said. "I'm telling you, you have the honor and privilege of sitting in judgment of your peers…. People view it as an inconvenience. If you do some, it's part of a process that will make you a better citizen."
The students heard from various court officials and departments as part of Law Day events.
Carl McKee, probation director, told the students that 80 percent of people who are arrested for crimes are either under the influence of drugs and alcohol or committing a crime in order to fuel an addiction.
However, he spoke about efforts the county undertakes to keep people out of jail.
McKee said that it costs $37,000 to keep an inmate housed in the county jail for one year.
"We can do a lot of treatment… rather than putting a person in jail for over a year which is probably more successful."
First Assistant District Attorney Caleb Gnage detailed the District Attorney's role in the criminal process.
"It's our job to protect the community," he said. "It's a very stressful job…. We're all seeking justice."
City of Warren Police Sergeant Brandon Deppen told the students to "look at the people around you…. Some of you, when you make it to the 20th anniversary, some of you will not be here."
Deppen told the students that he has lost two of his three closest childhood friends since high school.
"Those decisions that you make, they affect everyone else around you," he said. "I hope that you never have to come back in this room again. I don't want you to come here."
Skerda told the students that the court staff would "love to have you job shadow us (and) see what we do behind the scenes…. I invite you back. It's an educational experience I'm sure you won't regret."
"It was a pleasure to have you in court today."