Sentencing can seem to many people like one of the most obscure parts of the criminal justice system. On Wednesday, local judges pulled back the curtain, walking program participants through the factors that influence punishment in criminal cases.
The discussion was part of Coffee With the Court, a free public outreach program hosted by judges from the 8th Judicial Circuit. The series is designed to increase transparency and public understanding of the court system by giving participants an opportunity to hear directly from judges and ask questions about legal issues that affect the community.
“It’s a way for the court to interact with the public,” said Judge Susan Miller-Jones, who created the event…