As an observer for the beginning half of the Osmond 5 trial, I have truly experienced how Judicial Affairs works. I have learned in my 16 years of schooling about due process, about fair trials and about innocent until proven guilty. I never had any idea all of these important aspects of criminal prosecution are thrown out the window if you are ever arrested on Penn State campus.

If you are arrested on campus your "trial" consists of nothing more than a discussion with one person — one person who plays judge, jury and prosecution. Legal representation is not permitted for students either, only an adviser who has limited opportunities to speak or counsel students.

The university needs to provide a safe atmosphere for learning, and student misconduct can infringe on this atmosphere and should be dealt with appropriately. Judicial Affairs is not that appropriate process and should be changed so students are not intimidated into accepting their punishment without the complete evaluation of their guilt or innocence. It is unfortunate that this has come to light only after tremendous time and dedication by those arrested. I hope some good can finally come out of this in the form of Penn State making itself more democratic.