The School of Criminal Justice held a ceremony to cut the ribbon on a new courtroom in South Hall on the Bronx campus.  On hand to do the honors were Monroe College President Stephen Jerome, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., School of CJ Dean Michele Rodney, and seven NYS Supreme Court Judges.

“This is another illustration of our commitment to providing quality real world education for Monroe students,” said President Jerome, “and we expect this facility to inspire the next generation of attorneys and judges.”

Borough President Diaz agreed, pointing out that the newest member of the Supreme Court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, as well as a number of recently-appointed NYS appellate judges have come from the Bronx.

“In addition to providing enhanced educational opportunity for Monroe students,” said Dean Rodney, “the new courtroom will help bolster the relationship between the School of CJ and the legal community at large.”

In fact, one of the judges who attended the ceremony approached Dean Rodney about using the courtroom for community workshops she’s conducting on various aspects of the legal system.

The courtroom will be used by courses in criminal trial practice, criminal law, criminal procedure, and others.  Also, as a member of the American Mock Trial Association, the School of CJ expects to not only participate in competitions, but also will serve as hosts.