Students With Justice Coady

CAMDEN, NY - Mrs. Dacey’s MVCC Personal and Business Law Class welcomed the Honorable Justice Terry L. Coady as a guest speaker on Friday, February 17th at Camden High School. Justice Coady has served as one of two judges in the Town of Vienna Court for the last thirteen years. She has children currently attending Camden High School, and is a Camden alumna herself. She became a judge because she felt she had a calling to do so, and feels she is in it for the right reasons. She told students from her firsthand experiences about why it’s important to bring your heart to the courtroom and take your role seriously when doing this type of civic duty. 

Coady covered the following topics during her presentation, including several brought up by students: 

  • Recusal process

  • Centralized Arraignment

  • Diversion programs

  • Court surcharges

  • Process of motions

  • Miranda rights

  • Procedural defenses

  • The role of a District Attorney

  • The role of a Defense Attorney

  • Pre-Sentence Investigation

  • New York State Bail Reform

  • Officiating Weddings

  • Running for elections and campaigning

  • The training required to be a town judge. 

  • The importance of wide-ranging research to offer the appropriate sentencing. 

During a heartfelt presentation, she also gave some important and well-received advice:

  • Your environment doesn’t have to define you. 

  • Do not do drugs. 

  • We all have choices we can make to help us overcome our obstacles in life.

Dacey was very pleased that Justice Coady could offer a firsthand perspective to her students. 

“Hon. Coady's presence in the classroom was welcomed, heartfelt and sincerely appreciated,” Dacey said. “We thank you for your service.”