Rotary Club of LFP hears about new Community Court

LFP Councilwoman Phillippa Kassover and
President Robin Roat stand with speaker
Judge Joseph Campagna in the desire to
develop the best possible local court system.
Photo courtesy LFP Rotary

On February 26, 2020, District Court Judge Joe Campagna spoke at the meeting of the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park on the topic of the new Shoreline Community Court.

King County Community Court in Shoreline is an alternative problem-solving court. 

It seeks to go beyond punishment to identify and address the underlying challenges that may contribute to an individual’s further criminal activity. 

Court is held in Shoreline City Hall. The setting is less intimidating and allows the judge to be seated at eye-level with people.

The court addresses things like theft, shoplifting, trespassing, and other low-level offenses. 

Traditionally, individuals are punished for crimes like these. However, the punishment often doesn’t address why the crime is happening. 

Community Court participants can sign up at the community resource center in the lobby for services such as drug and alcohol treatment, financial/housing assistance, and employment services.

This approach allows people to get services that help address the underlying issues that may have led to the criminal activity. Participants are also often required to perform community service to foster community engagement.

See more about Community Court

LFP Rotary meets every Wednesday morning, 7:10am for a program speaker and breakfast at Lake Forest Park Presbyterian Church.