At a glance
Following a brief explanation of the local, county, and state court systems, Damrath, first elected in 1989, told students of the satisfaction he felt serving as judge in the same community for nearly three decades.
Joseph Damrath, just two months into retirement after 27 years as Hornell City Court judge, had some very powerful memories to share when he met with members of the Honors Program Nov. 14.
Following a brief explanation of the local, county, and state court systems, Damrath, first elected in 1989, told students of the satisfaction he felt serving as judge in the same community for nearly three decades. Despite hearing some very unsavory cases over the years, Damrath says he still has faith in humanity, believing that “most people are good people.”
Sounding a further positive note, he praised the area’s public defenders and prosecutors who worked with him. He is particularly proud of helping establish the drug court to work with non-violent offenders.
When Damrath finished his comments, students got to turn the tables and question the judge about his experiences in his time on the bench. Damrath, a professor in the Business Department, said he plans to continue teaching for at least another year.
