COURTHOUSE ESSAY

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THE COURTHOUSE TOUR

“Slam!” Another cell door closes on a convicted criminal. For the past year I have been trying to determine what I want to do after high school. Touring the Courthouse, sitting in the courtroom and meeting Judge Cascio have helped me come closer to a decision. This was an amazing experience and I have decided that I want to pursue a degree in criminal justice.

The old jail was one of the greatest events of our tour. I viewed the old jail cells and was astounded as how small they were. It was hard to imagine how people spent their days and nights confined in that small of an area. Seeing the gallows was very interesting but yet a little spooky. Knowing that the old ropes displayed there were used to put convicted criminals to death was chilling. My favorite part of this area was being locked in a jail cell with three other people to see how restrained you felt.

The new jail was interesting. We were able to see just how much things have changed over the years. The cells are larger and there are no longer executions carried out at our local county jail. The jail is equipped with cameras that help to monitor the prisoners and keep the jail safe.

However, the best part of the tour was the actual Courthouse. The building is beautiful, from the grand staircases to the mesmerizing dome. The Courthouse is a true work of art. We met Judge Cascio, and my classmates and I were able to sit in the juror’s box and the defendant’s table while he spoke with us.

The Somerset County Courthouse Tour had a great deal to offer and will inspire many generations to come.

Erica Lowery

Salisbury-Elk Lick School District

COURTHOUSE TOUR ESSAY WINNER