Penn State Altoona students take part in federal mock sentencing exercise

JOHNSTOWN, PA - Five students from Penn State Altoona's Integrated Social Science Research Lab (ISSRL) participated in the fourth annual Federal Mock Sentencing Exercise at the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania in Johnstown on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

The exercise gives students who are interested in pursuing legal careers the opportunity to prepare and argue a hypothetical criminal case at the sentencing stage in front of a federal judge. Penn State Altoona has participated in this exercise every year since it was created by Federal District Judge Mark A. Kearney in 2022 with the support of the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Law Related Education Committee.

This year, students argued a hypothetical case involving a man who was charged with re-entering the United States after deportation. Students presented their arguments for sentencing departures in front of U.S. District Judge Stephanie L. Haines, with one group assuming the role of the defense and another assuming the role of prosecution.

"This activity is always one of the highlights of our fall semester," said Nathan E. Kruis, associate professor of criminal justice at and co-director of the ISSRL. "Judge Haines has an impressive resume as both a federal prosecutor and judge. Our students are very fortunate to have this opportunity to learn from her."

"I appreciate Judge Haines teaching us the inner workings of the courtroom and helping us learn more about what goes on behind the scenes," said second-year criminal justice student Frankie Stricker, who played the role of assistant federal prosecutor.

"The mock sentencing exercise was an amazing experience. I felt like we all learned a lot from Judge Haines and have a greater understanding of how sentencing works," said first-year criminal justice student Gracie Rice, who played the role of federal probation officer.

"As an aspiring law student, it was incredible to speak in front of a federal judge," said fourth-year student Riley Fegley, who played the role of the criminal defense attorney. "It was a great opportunity to step into a courtroom to get a look at my future."

Kruis said that the ISSRL plans to participate in the exercise again next year. Students interested in being involved should email him at [email protected].