A group of criminal justice students from Coahoma Community College had the opportunity to attend a real-world plea sentence hearing March 6 at the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Charleston.
Students observed the proceedings as Circuit Judge Smith Murphey V presided, providing invaluable insight into the legal process and the workings of the criminal justice system.
The event offered an educational experience for the students, who are currently studying various aspects of criminal law, sentencing and courtroom procedures. It gave them a firsthand view of the judicial system in action, allowing them to witness the application of law in a real-world setting.
Murphey, a Sumner native, addressed the court with a focus on fairness and justice, and the students were able to engage in a thoughtful discussion afterward, guided by faculty members, to reflect on the proceedings they had just witnessed.
“This experience is invaluable for our students,” said Rosie Miller, a faculty member overseeing the criminal justice program. “It’s one thing to learn about the legal process in the classroom, but seeing it unfold in a real courtroom brings those lessons to life.”
The session was a part of the college’s efforts to provide students with practical experience that complements their academic studies, better preparing them for future careers in the criminal justice field.
