Common Pleas President Judge shares experience with Thiel College criminal justice students

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- On March 19, President Judge Thomas R. Dobson of the Court of Common Pleas of Mercer County (35th Judicial District) spoke to the Restorative Justice class at Thiel College and shared his experience and insight about the judicial system.

Dobson, who has been a judge since 1995 and oversees Juvenile, Civil, Criminal and Orphan’s Court, offered his insight into the day-to-day workings of the justice system and restorative policies. Students were challenged to understand the role and application of law and societal issues including juvenile sentencing, domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health issues.

The Restorative Justice course is offered as part of the criminal justice studies major at Thiel College. Restorative justice emphasizes an equal concern for crime victims and offenders. It also seeks to focus on the harm done to persons and relationships rather than only the violation of a law. Beyond its philosophical framework, the restorative justice model includes a number of programs for addressing the needs of crime victims, the community and offenders.