(1-12-25) The Mercer County Common Pleas Court, General Division announced that on January 9, the Court hosted over fifty students from Parkway High School at the Mercer County Courthouse. Throughout the day, the students observed numerous courtroom hearings and witnessed a variety of proceedings including Initial Appearances, Arraignments, Bond Hearings, Changes of Plea, and Sentencings.

Between hearings, the Honorable Matthew K. Fox and his court staff were able to meet with the students, explain the court processes and procedures, and provide additional context for some of the hearings the students observed. Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney Erin M. Minor, Mercer County Public Defender Thomas J. Lucente, Jr., the Honorable Matthew L. Gilmore, and several other attorneys also spoke to the students and provided their unique perspectives and insight into their roles in the court system.

After the morning hearings, the Court hosted a lunch for the students in the Courthouse Auditorium where the Court facilitated additional discussions with the students and afforded the participants greater opportunity to ask questions.

The court thanks Mr. Lucas Minnich and other officials from Parkway High School for their continued support and interest in collaborating with the court to enlighten the students about the criminal justice system in Mercer County. The court also thanks the students for their thoughtful and respectful participation.