COURTHOUSE ESSAY

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THE COURTHOUSE TOUR

My trip to the Somerset County Courthouse with my ninth grade class was not my first time being there. Although I had been to the Courthouse when I was in fourth grade, I still learn new things every time I go. During our field trip, my class got to go to the Somerset County Jail, witness the sentencing of a convicted criminal by Judge Cascio, take a tour of the old jail and learn of the hangings and escapes that had taken place there, and go to the 911 call center.

The corrections officers at the County Jail showed my class the booths that prisoners and visitors use to talk with each other. The booth has bullet proof glass in the middle, no chairs, and an intercom system so the people can talk. Each visit lasts 15 minutes, and prisoners are only allowed two visits from the same person per week. After that we were shown the security systems of the jail. Before we left for the Courthouse, the officer that had been showing us around urged my classmates and me to stay in school and to never get involved with drugs or alcohol.

At the Courthouse, we were able to witness the sentencing of a man who had been convicted of indecent exposure. His sentence included six months of house arrest, alcohol counseling, a sex offender evaluation, and a restraining order. After the man’s sentencing, Judge Cascio told us about being a judge in the Courthouse, and we discussed court proceedings and the set-up of a courtroom. We also talked to people in the other offices in the Courthouse. I learned a lot on the Courthouse field trip, and I would like to go back again and watch a court case or sentencing.

BY MARIA McCLATCHEY

SHANKSVILLE-STONYCREEK SCHOOL DISTRICT

2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR

COURTHOUSE TOUR ESSAY CONTEST WINNER